SYDNEY — Blue Origin is gearing up to ramp up its launch schedule for the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and is considering new spaceports to support this growth.
Phil Joyce, the senior vice president for New Shepard, shared at the Global Spaceport Alliance’s International Spaceport Forum on September 28 that the company aims to achieve weekly launches within the next few years. This ambition is fueled by strong customer interest. “The demand is really strong,” he noted, mentioning that they receive sales inquiries daily. Currently, they have a backlog of over a year’s worth of flights.
As of now, Blue Origin is conducting launches nearly every month, with seven flights already this year. Joyce hinted that the next flight is coming up soon, indicating a busy schedule ahead.
To support the weekly launches, Blue Origin plans to introduce three new New Shepard vehicles starting next year, which will enhance their current fleet of two crewed missions. These new vehicles will incorporate upgrades designed for cost-effective and efficient operations. Joyce explained that older systems were expensive and required high maintenance, but improvements have been made. For instance, a new version of the BE-3 engine will be more manageable and easier to produce.
Although the new New Shepard will have a slightly different look, Joyce withheld specific details about changes. He emphasized that reaching a weekly launch frequency could maximize the current facility’s capacity in West Texas. The company has considered whether to expand Launch Site One or seek a new location, leaning toward the latter. Joyce believes exploring international options makes sense. “We think there are opportunities elsewhere around the globe,” he said, hinting at the potential to serve customers more conveniently.
While customers haven’t specifically requested launches from different locations, Joyce pointed out that convenience is vital for their primary clientele, which includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals. “They don’t want to spend a day and a half getting to the destination,” he explained. Blue Origin is on the lookout for a partner to help establish any new launch site, aiming to find one that brings diverse benefits to the venture.
This move aligns with recent trends in the space industry where commercial companies are increasingly exploring global opportunities. According to a report by the Space Foundation, the global space economy was valued at $447 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years. Collaboration and expansion into new regions are likely to play key roles in this growth, as companies like Blue Origin seek to meet rising demand while ensuring efficient operations.
The discussions around new launch sites and frequency reflect a booming interest in space tourism and commercial spaceflight. As companies vie for a leading position, customer convenience and operational efficiency will remain crucial factors shaping their strategies.
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