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Blue Origin traces the May New Glenn explosion to the main oxygen valve on one BE-4 engine
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said the New Glenn explosion during a May 28 static-fire test at Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 36 started at the main oxygen valve of one of the first stage's seven BE-4 engines, confirmed by recovered hardware. The fix is a small valve modification that can be retrofitted, and Blue Origin aims to fly New Glenn again before the end of 2026.
- Each BE-4 burns liquid methane and liquid oxygen and makes about 640,000 lb of thrust; the oxygen valve controls the oxidizer flow into the engine.
- Modified valve parts were due to be manufactured by the end of August.
- ULA's Vulcan also flies on BE-4s; ULA will retrofit its engines at Decatur, Alabama and Cape Canaveral.
- Pad repairs include new 88-foot integration-facility doors weighing 40,000 lb each.
- The 48 Amazon Leo satellites meant for the next flight were stored away from the rocket and unharmed.