Blue Origin Plans 50 Annual New Glenn Launches from Florida
Blue Origin plans to build two new launch and landing pads and two offshore landing vessels in Florida, while increasing permitted launches for the New Glenn vehicle from 12 to 50 annually.
Blue Origin has submitted a request to expand its operations on Florida's Space Coast, including the construction of two new launch and landing pads similar to its facilities at Launch Complex LC-36, along with two new offshore landing vessels, as reported by Spaceflight Now.
The company submitted an environmental assessment to increase the permitted number of launches from the complex from 12 to 50 annually for the New Glenn vehicle. The US Federal Aviation Administration is conducting a 30-day public comment window, with a virtual hearing on October 22 and public comment closing on October 30.
The plan includes a $330 million expansion of the 1.37-million-square-foot Rocket Park complex, set to be completed by summer 2027.
The facilities are designed to support up to 150 New Glenn 9x4 upper stages per year, a move reflecting the company's push to increase launch cadence and compete in the spaceflight market.
What do these terms mean?
Environmental Assessment: A mandatory study measuring a project's impact on the environment before permission is granted for execution.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The US agency regulating civil aviation and licensing space launch operations.
Upper Stage: The uppermost section of a rocket that carries the payload and propels it into orbit after the first stage separates.
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