Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced plans to develop a more advanced version of its New Glenn rocket. This new variant, named New Glenn 9x4, will feature nine engines for the first stage and four for the second stage, enhancing the rocket's power capabilities. This advancement comes on the heels of New Glenn’s second mission launch, and marks a significant step in Blue Origin’s roadmap towards building a super-heavy class rocket. The design is an iterative upgrade from the current model, which utilizes seven engines on the first stage and two on the second.

The introduction of the New Glenn 9x4 aims to offer a range of launch options for customers, targeting various missions including satellite mega-constellations, lunar exploration, and national security initiatives. Blue Origin's initiative aligns with industry trends, as various companies, including SpaceX and ULA, are also advancing larger rockets capable of deploying significant satellite payloads.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new rocket, Blue Origin has not provided a specific timeline for its first flight. The company spokesman highlighted that the iterative design approach will facilitate a quicker development process. Additionally, the new rocket will operate alongside the original New Glenn variant, increasing launch flexibility and options for customers. Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, shared renderings of the New Glenn 9x4, showcasing its impressive size – standing taller than the historic Saturn V rocket, which famously carried astronauts to the moon.

As Blue Origin invests billions into the New Glenn project, the advancements are a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to contest the competitive landscape of space launch providers. With a focus on reusable technology and enhanced payload capacity, Blue Origin aims to position itself as a key player in the future of space exploration and commercial satellite launches.