Blue Origin aims to resume New Glenn heavy-lift rocket launches this December. The upcoming mission will carry the Blue Ring spacecraft. The company is currently restoring the LC-36 launch complex in Florida following a May accident that destroyed the transport-erector and damaged the lightning tower and support structures.
The company has shifted to vertical rocket assembly directly at the launch pad. Infrastructure upgrades include retrofitting the tower for cryogenic fuel delivery and restoring the water deluge system designed to protect against the seven BE-4 engines. Blue Origin is prioritizing the repair of damaged equipment over full replacement to expedite the process.
Jeff Bezos announced plans to expand to four launch pads, including a new site designated LC-36B for the New Glenn 9x4 variant. The company intends to scale operations from weekly launches to a daily cadence. Meanwhile, CEO Dave Limp confirmed that Blue Origin is investing in a crewed spacecraft project known as Space Vehicle.
The Space Vehicle project is nearing the hardware testing phase. While NASA has expressed interest in a new crew transport option for the ISS, the agency has not committed to funding a dedicated development program. Blue Origin is currently waiting for a formal opportunity from NASA rather than self-funding the development of the crewed craft.
