Blue Origin starts next phase of construction on Cape Canaveral

Blue Origin announced today that they've begun construction of a second launch complex, dubbed LC-36B, on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The requirement that drives them to create this second launch complex is to support the new 9x4 version of the New Glenn and Blue is constructing additional operational infrastructure nearby to support high-cadence launch operations and infrastructure resiliency for New Glenn. 

LC-36 has served as a cornerstone of American spaceflight for decades, supporting a broad range of missions for NASA and commercial partners. Now, this historic site is entering a new era, furthering New Glenn operations. LC-36B will serve as the operational home for New Glenn 9x4, while LC-36A remains the operational home for the New Glenn 7x2 vehicle. 

As the commercials say, "But wait! There's more!" In addition to the new launch complex to support the bigger and more powerful 9x4 New Glenn, they're building a new Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) for the 9x4 vehicle, and a Payload Processing Facility (PPF).

A render of the Vertical Integration Facility with Launch Complexes 36A & 36B in the distance. Image Credit: Blue Origin

The new 9x4 version of the New Glenn has been talked about here before, and last November I ran this computer rendering posted on X by CEO Dave Limp. It shows the 9x4 as rather larger than the Saturn V with the Apollo capsule and escape system on top, but it doesn't tell us how tall the 9x4 is. The Saturn V was approximately 365' tall. SpaceX's current version of Starship is just over 400 feet tall, but without a number from Blue, I can only say the new 9x4 must be close in size to Starship. 

CEO Dave Limp posted this image showing the existing (7x2) and coming (9x4) New Glenn rockets on X.

In that November '25 post, I quoted these figures:

New Glenn 9x4 will be capable of lofting 77 tons (70 metric tons) of payload to low Earth orbit, compared to 50 tons (45 mt) for the original "7x2" variant. The new rocket will also have an even bigger payload fairing — one that's 28.5 feet (8.7 meters) wide, compared to an initial 23 feet (7 m).  

I found it interesting that Blue ended their post by talking up how good they are for Florida. Not that there's anything wrong with that. 

This infrastructure reinforces Blue Origin's commitment to Florida and the Space Coast community. With more than 4,500 employees and over $3 billion invested across 500+ Florida suppliers, Blue Origin supports a supply chain that creates thousands of additional jobs and strengthens Florida's space economy.