Blue Origin expands Cape Canaveral site to dual-pad facility

Blue Origin is expanding its launch capabilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station by converting Launch Complex 36 into a dual-pad facility. This expansion follows a significant setback on May 28, 2026, when a New Glenn 7×2 rocket exploded during a wet dress rehearsal due to an oxygen valve failure in a BE-4 engine. The explosion caused extensive damage, including the destruction of the transporter-erector and the collapse of a lightning tower.

The company plans to rebuild the damaged infrastructure as LC-36A to support the New Glenn 7×2 variant. Simultaneously, Blue Origin is breaking ground on a new adjacent pad, LC-36B, specifically designed for the larger New Glenn 9×4 rocket. The 9×4 variant will feature nine BE-4 engines on its first stage and four BE-3U engines on its upper stage to carry heavier payloads.

Repairing the site is critical for both Blue Origin and NASA, as the New Glenn rocket is slated to support various lunar missions, including components of the Artemis program.