The New Glenn heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle primarily utilizes Blue Origin's BE-4 engines for its first stage.
The BE-4 Engine: A Powerhouse for New Glenn
The New Glenn first stage is powered by a cluster of seven BE-4 engines, designed and manufactured by Blue Origin. These engines are critical for providing the immense thrust required to lift heavy payloads into orbit. The BE-4 stands out as one of the most powerful liquid oxygen (LOX) / liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled oxygen-rich staged combustion engines ever developed.
Key Features of the BE-4 Engine
The BE-4 engine incorporates advanced propulsion technology, making it a highly efficient and capable power plant for the New Glenn rocket:
- Fuel Type: It uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the fuel. This choice offers several benefits, including high performance, reduced coking, and a lower cost compared to traditional kerosene-based fuels.
- Combustion Cycle: The engine employs an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle, which allows for very high specific impulse (efficiency) by burning a portion of the oxidizer and fuel in a preburner before mixing and igniting them in the main combustion chamber.
- Reusability: A fundamental design philosophy behind the BE-4 is its reusability. Each engine is engineered to withstand multiple launches and landings, aligning with Blue Origin's vision for routine and cost-effective space access.
- Deep-Throttle Capability: The BE-4 features deep-throttle capability, allowing the engine's thrust to be significantly varied. This is crucial for precise control during ascent, optimizing performance, and enabling controlled landings of the reusable first stage.
Technical Specifications
Here's a summary of the BE-4 engine's key specifications as used on New Glenn's first stage:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | BE-4 |
| Manufacturer | Blue Origin |
| Number per New Glenn First Stage | 7 |
| Propellants | Liquid Oxygen (LOX) / Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) |
| Combustion Cycle | Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion |
| Thrust (Sea Level, per engine) | 550,000 lbf (2,450 kN) |
| Reusability | Yes |
Reusability and Performance
The decision to use seven BE-4 engines on the New Glenn first stage underscores Blue Origin's commitment to creating a highly capable and reusable launch system. The combined thrust from these engines provides the necessary power for the orbital flight, while their deep-throttle capability enables the precise maneuvers required for the first stage to return and land vertically, ready for future missions. This focus on reusability aims to significantly reduce the cost of space launches over time.
