Blue Origin Expands Pad After Explosion

Blue Origin is adding a second launch pad to its Cape Canaveral complex while simultaneously repairing damage from a recent rocket explosion. The facility adjustments follow the failure of a New Glenn 7x2 rocket during static fire tests at Launch Complex-36 in May. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp confirmed that rebuilding LC-36A remains the primary priority to ensure the New Glenn rocket flies before the end of the year. Alongside the ongoing repairs, a separate team has initiated construction on LC-36B. The new operational pad will support the larger New Glenn 9x4 configuration. The expansion project requires sourcing 2,500 tons of steel, a significant portion of which will construct a 700-foot-tall launch tower. The initial New Glenn first stage relies on seven BE-4 engines, while the second stage utilizes two BE-3Us, and both are engineered for vertical landing and reusability. The upcoming 9x4 version will upgrade to nine BE-4 engines on the first stage and four BE-3Us on the second stage to handle heavier payloads. The May explosion reduced Blue Origin's scheduled 2026 launch manifest from up to twelve missions down to a single planned flight.