CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — NASA has added Blue Origin’s upgraded New Glenn 9×4 configuration to its NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract, making the rocket eligible to compete for future NASA science, exploration and technology missions.
The addition was announced by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on September 29, 2026, through the annual NLS II on-ramp process. It does not represent a specific mission award. Instead, it adds the 9×4 to the launch vehicles available for future missions alongside the existing New Glenn 7×2 configuration.
New Glenn 9×4 upgrades
The New Glenn 9×4 has nine BE-4 engines on its first stage, compared with seven on the 7×2, and four BE-3U engines on its second stage, compared with two.
Blue Origin says the 9×4 can carry more than 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), more than 14 metric tons directly to geosynchronous orbit, and more than 20 metric tons to trans-lunar injection. It will use an 8.7-meter-diameter payload fairing and stand nearly 120 meters (about 400 feet) tall. The first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 flights.
The current New Glenn 7×2 is listed with capacity for more than 45 metric tons to LEO and more than 13 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), with a 7-meter fairing.
Blue Origin plans to operate both configurations, with the larger 9×4 intended for missions requiring greater payload capacity or volume.
NLS II contract
The NLS II contracts are multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreements supporting NASA’s Human Spaceflight, Science, and Research and Technology Mission Directorates. The ordering period runs through June 2030, while the overall period of performance continues through December 2032.
NASA can also use NLS II to provide launch services for other government agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Launch infrastructure
Blue Origin is preparing infrastructure for the 9×4 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Launch Complex 36A supports the 7×2, while LC-36B is being developed for the 9×4.
The company is also working to resume New Glenn flights following a May 2026 integrated vehicle hot-fire anomaly. Blue Origin has been adjusting operations at LC-36A and moving toward a horizontal-vertical hybrid process as part of its return-to-flight work.
The NLS II addition gives NASA another heavy-lift commercial launch option while Blue Origin continues preparations for the New Glenn 9×4 and the return of the New Glenn program to regular flight operations.
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