Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos has recently announced the company's next rocket named New Glenn after former U.S. Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth. The rocket is said to become one of the most powerful rockets in the world along with SpaceX's upcoming Falcon Heavy.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is yet to be built and launched before the end of this decade, according to TechTimes. But based on the blueprint, it will be 23 feet wide and 270 to 313 feet high. It is equipped with seven BE-4 engines.
According to TechCrunch, the rocket will use one vacuum-optimized BE-4 engine in its 2-stage system. This will enable the rocket of lower Earth orbit (LEO) travel for people and satellites. Meanwhile, the BE-3 engine in its 3-stage system will allow the rocket to carry payloads outside of LEO.
New Glenn and SpaceX's Falcon Heavy
The New Glenn rocket is slated to take its debut in space in a couple of years. But for SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, it will have its first flight later this year. Falcon Heavy will be the first reusable heavy-lift rocket. New Glenn will follow suit. These two rockets are set to revolutionize the space industry.
The reusable rockets will make space travel more affordable and accessible.
Aside from the reusability factor, the 2-stage New Glenn rocket will have a 3.85 million pounds of liftoff thrust. However, Falcon Heavy will top that off with its five million pounds of thrust.
The Future For The Blue Origin
Blue Origin was merely an aerospace company that offered spaceflight services and LEO research for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The success of its reusable rocket in New Glenn can raise its status in the industry. It will set up a really competitive atmosphere with SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance.
