Blue Origin targets multiple New Glenn launches weekly by end of decade

Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, aims to launch its New Glenn rocket multiple times per week by the end of the decade, according to a company executive. The firm has invested over $3 billion in Florida facilities to support this ambitious goal, with plans to expand these facilities further by $330 million over the next few years.

This expansion will enable the production of a heavier-lift version of the New Glenn rocket, known as New Glenn 9x4, with the potential for annual production of up to 150 upper stages. The company's primary objective is to build capacity for more missions, with improved reliability and efficiency. Following a May explosion that damaged the company's Florida launchpad, New Glenn is set to return to flight early next year, with its last launch attempting to place a satellite in the wrong orbit.

Blue Origin is a key launch provider for Amazon's satellite internet constellation, Leo, facing a global launch squeeze and competition from SpaceX, which has launched hundreds of missions per year with its Starship rocket.