New Glenn version
New Glenn New Glenn 9×4
The super heavy-lift version announced on 20 November 2025: nine BE-4 engines on the first stage, four BE-3U on the second and an enlarged fairing 8.7 m across. It is quoted at more than 70,000 kg to low Earth orbit. It has not flown, and reports place it in service no earlier than 2027.
- 70,000 kg
- LEO capacity
- 25,622 kN
- Thrust
- Yes
- Reusable
History
Nine below, four above
The designation is the specification: nine BE-4 engines on the first stage instead of seven, and four BE-3U on the second instead of two. The diameter stays at 7 m, but the fairing grows to 8.7 m — which matters as much as the lift figure, because for bulky payloads such as telescopes, station modules or landers the binding constraint is usually volume rather than mass.
What is claimed
Blue Origin quotes more than 70,000 kg to low Earth orbit, over 14,000 kg on a direct insertion to geosynchronous orbit and more than 20,000 kg towards trans-lunar injection. An image released by chief executive Dave Limp showed the vehicle standing taller than a Saturn V. Trade coverage has noted that this approaches the lift of NASA's SLS, with the difference that here the first stage comes back.
When, and from where
The company has published no schedule; reports point to 2027 at the earliest. The 9×4 needs its own pad, LC-36B, larger than the one being rebuilt after the May 2026 explosion. Blue Origin has said both configurations are meant to operate side by side, with the new one adding to rather than replacing the 7×2.