TECHNOLOGY

U.S. Air Force Expands Blue Origin Rocket Cargo Contract to Study Global Military Deliveries

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The Air Force Research Laboratory expanded its contract with Blue Origin by 11.7 million dollars. The amendment increases the total value of the agreement to approximately 13 million dollars.The contract modification directs Blue Origin to study the utilization of space rockets for point-to-point commercial cargo deliveries worldwide. The expanded research evaluates how the company's New Glenn rocket system can transport heavy military supplies to specific global locations.Operations for the New Glenn rocket system are headquartered at Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 36 in Florida. Under the updated terms, the Air Force Research Laboratory will oversee the engineering and logistics data generated during the capability assessment.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

On September 8, 2000, Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin in Kent, Washington.
On June 4, 2021, Air Force designated Rocket Cargo as Vanguard initiative.
On January 14, 2022, SpaceX received initial major Rocket Cargo study contract.
On January 16, 2025, Blue Origin successfully reached orbit with New Glenn.
On May 15, 2025, Rocket Lab awarded survivability contract under REGAL program.
On July 31, 2026 at 1:22 PM ET, Pentagon modified Blue Origin contract to $13.1 million.
On July 31, 2026, Space Force obligated eleven million dollars for research.
On August 1, 2026, Air Force Research Lab confirmed Merritt Island operations.
On October 29, 2027, Blue Origin completes capability assessment contract deliverables.
On December 31, 2030, Pentagon expects initial point-to-point rocket logistics demonstrations.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Space Force accelerates commercial point-to-point rocket delivery research funding.
Possible long-term US impact: Suborbital commercial rockets may complement military cargo airlift capabilities worldwide.
Most affected groups: Defense logistics planners, commercial rocket developers, Space Force command personnel.
What readers should prioritise: Track verified official Defense Department contract releases and technical milestones.