In a bold move to challenge SpaceX’s dominance in the heavy-lift rocket market, Blue Origin has unveiled plans for a super-heavy variant of its New Glenn rocket. Announced on November 20, 2025, this nine-engine behemoth promises to surpass the height of NASA’s legendary Saturn V and deliver payloads rivaling those of Elon Musk’s Starship. The revelation comes hot on the heels of New Glenn’s successful second launch, marking a pivotal moment for Jeff Bezos’ space venture.

Drawing from recent announcements, the super-heavy New Glenn will feature an expanded first stage with nine BE-4 engines, up from the current seven. This upgrade aims to boost payload capacity significantly, positioning Blue Origin as a stronger competitor in the orbital launch sector. According to TechCrunch, the variant ‘can carry larger payloads and more closely matches the capabilities of SpaceX’s largest rocket, Starship.’

Evolution of New Glenn’s Design

The original New Glenn, a two-stage heavy-lift vehicle with a seven-meter diameter, has already demonstrated its prowess. Its maiden flight on January 16, 2025, carried a prototype Blue Ring spacecraft, as detailed on Wikipedia. Powered by seven BE-4 engines in the first stage and two BE-3U engines in the second, it launches from Cape Canaveral and is designed for partial reusability.

Blue Origin’s recent successes include the second launch on November 13, 2025, which deployed NASA’s twin Mars ESCAPADE probes and achieved a historic at-sea booster landing. Space.com reported that ‘Blue Origin’s powerful New Glenn rocket launched for the second time ever today (Nov. 13), sending NASA’s twin Mars ESCAPADE probes aloft — and acing an epic booster landing at sea.’

Upgrades and Performance Enhancements

Starting with the third flight (NG-3), Blue Origin plans to implement a series of upgrades to enhance payload performance, launch cadence, and reliability. These include subcooled propellants and improved engine designs, as outlined in a post on X by Blue Origin on November 20, 2025: ‘Starting with NG-3, we will phase in a series of upgrades to the New Glenn launch system designed to increase payload performance, launch cadence, and enhance reliability.’

Ars Technica highlighted the iterative approach: ‘The iterative design from our current 7×2 vehicle means we can build this rocket quickly.’ This strategy allows Blue Origin to rapidly evolve its technology, building on the foundational 7-engine configuration.

Challenging SpaceX’s Starship

The super-heavy variant’s nine-engine setup directly targets the capabilities of SpaceX’s Starship, which has set new benchmarks in payload mass and reusability. Reuters noted that Blue Origin is ‘drawing early plans for a family of orbital satellite launchers akin to the fleet of Falcon rockets from Elon Musk’s dominant SpaceX.’

Industry analysts see this as a strategic escalation. The new rocket’s height, exceeding that of the Saturn V, underscores Blue Origin’s ambition to handle massive payloads for deep-space missions, satellite constellations, and potential crewed flights.

Technical Specifications and Innovations

At its core, the super-heavy New Glenn retains the reusable first stage, with landings demonstrated on the vessel Jacklyn. Ars Technica quoted: ‘Never before in history has a booster this large nailed the landing on the second try.’ This reusability is key to reducing costs, a lesson borrowed from SpaceX’s playbook.

Upgrades include enhanced BE-4 engines and subcooled components for better efficiency. Blue Origin’s official site states: ‘Blue Origin announced a series of upgrades to New Glenn designed to increase payload performance and launch cadence, while enhancing reliability.’

Market Implications and Competition

The announcement has stirred the space industry, with Blue Origin positioning itself alongside heavy-lifters like United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur and SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy. NASASpaceFlight.com reported: ‘Blue Origin has unveiled upgrades to its New Glenn rocket, aimed at boosting payload capacity.’

This move could attract more contracts from NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial clients seeking alternatives to SpaceX. Posts on X reflect excitement, with Blue Origin sharing details of engine tests and landing systems, emphasizing their commitment to rapid iteration.

Historical Context and Future Plans

Named after astronaut John Glenn, New Glenn’s development began before 2013 and was announced in 2016. Its progress, including the first pad rollout in February 2024, has been methodical, contrasting with SpaceX’s faster pace.

Looking ahead, the super-heavy variant could enable missions to Mars or lunar outposts. TalkOfTitusville.com noted: ‘It has been a big week for news from Blue Origin, first with the second launch of New Glenn, the successful landing of the first stage and now three a’ — highlighting the momentum.

Industry Reactions and Challenges

Reactions on X and in media praise the ambition but note challenges like regulatory hurdles and engine reliability. Blue Origin’s BE-4 engines, also used in Vulcan Centaur, have faced delays but are now proving their mettle.

As CNA reported: ‘The new rocket, announced …’ This positions Blue Origin for a more competitive future in space exploration.

Strategic Vision for Space Access

Blue Origin’s upgrades reflect a broader vision of sustainable space access. By phasing in improvements from NG-3, the company aims to increase launch frequency, crucial for mega-constellations like Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

The super-heavy variant could redefine heavy-lift economics, offering clients more options and fostering innovation across the sector.