Blue Origin adds second Cape Canaveral pad for New Glenn 9x4
The company is constructing LC-36B to support a more powerful rocket variant while repairing damage from a May explosion.
Blue Origin is expanding its operations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station by adding a second launch pad to its existing complex. The move allows the company to develop a more powerful rocket variant while simultaneously repairing its primary facility.
The company is constructing Launch Complex 36B (LC-36B), which is specifically designed to support the New Glenn "9x4" configuration. This upgraded rocket variant features nine BE-4 engines on the first stage and four BE-3Us on the second stage. According to CEO Dave Limp, a separate team is managing the construction of LC-36B while the company maintains its priority of rebuilding the original pad, LC-36A, to resume flights this year.
Recovery from May Mishap
The expansion comes as Blue Origin recovers from a significant setback at the site. On May 28, a New Glenn rocket named "No, It's Necessary" exploded during a static fire test. The incident caused extensive damage to the LC-36 facility, necessitating the current repair efforts.
Launch Complex 36 has a long history in aerospace, having hosted Atlas-Centaur rockets from the 1960s through the mid-2000s. Blue Origin leased the site in 2015 and began operations in 2025 using the New Glenn 7x2 variant, which utilizes seven BE-4 engines and two BE-3Us.
Strategic Scaling
Transitioning to a dual-pad facility is a strategic necessity for Blue Origin's growth in the heavy-lift market. By separating the two pads, the company can maintain operational continuity for its existing 7x2 fleet without interrupting the development and testing of the 9x4 variant. This scaling is critical for the company's ability to launch heavier payloads and compete more effectively against other heavy-lift providers.
Future Outlook
The immediate focus remains on the restoration of LC-36A to ensure the company can return to flight status before the end of the year. Once operational, the dual-pad configuration will allow Blue Origin to increase its launch cadence and deploy the more powerful 9x4 configuration. Observers will be watching for the first successful static fire of the 9x4 variant at the new LC-36B site.