The New Glenn rocket, standing tall at 320 feet (98 meters), features a unique design that places a strong emphasis on its base. The rocket's first-stage booster is equipped with seven BE-4 engines, playing a crucial role in propelling the rocket into space with its initial burst of power.
Blue Origin initiated the development of the BE-4 engine over a decade ago, and its significance in the US launch industry cannot be overstated. One of the notable advantages of the BE-4 engine is its ability to replace Russian-made rocket engines that were previously used by certain US launch companies, most notably United Launch Alliance.
The decision by United Launch Alliance to adopt the BE-4 engine represents a major shift in the industry. The incorporation of these engines into the new Vulcan Centaur rockets has proven to be a strategic move. The Vulcan Centaur rockets, powered by the BE-4 engines, completed their inaugural launch successfully in January and have since completed two flawless flights.
