New LNG-Fueled Rocket Engine On Track to Increase Domestic Lift Independence

Blue Origin has completed delivery of its first BE-4 engine assembly to the United launch Alliance, passing a major milestone in ending reliance on foreign heavy-lift rocket engines. 

The BE-4 engine tendered to the ULA’s Decatur, Alabama facility opens up a new era in American space manufacturing and launch capability, paving the way for ISS resupply without the use of Russian Soyuz heavy-lift rocket when the engine sees widespread use throughout the industry. The BE-4 is on tap to provide ULA’s Vulcan Centaur Heavy launch vehicle with 60,000 lbs of payload to low Earth orbit, with a bit over a quarter of that amount to geostationary orbit. The engine is great news for ULA, set to receive the next completed production BE-4 once it sees final acceptance testing. 

“We’re excited to see ULA’s Vulcan fly,” said Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin. “The BE-4 is a great engine, and we’re proud of Team Blue for achieving this milestone as part of ULA’s team. It’s been a wonderful partnership, and this shipset is the first of many more to come.”

“We are very pleased to receive the first two engines for Vulcan’s inaugural flight,” said Tory Bruno, ULA president. “Development of this new engine is complete, and the performance of the engine is outstanding. It has been a great team effort working together with our partners at Blue Origin and we can’t wait to see Vulcan fly.”

FMI: www.blueorigin.com