Blue Origin seeks FAA approval to increase New Glenn launches

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing a proposal from Blue Origin to increase the annual launch limit for its New Glenn rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The request seeks to raise the authorized maximum from 12 to 50 launches per year.

The draft environmental assessment covers a wide range of operations at Space Launch Complex 36A, including engine tests, first-stage landings on an Atlantic Ocean platform, and payload-fairing recovery. The review evaluates the potential impact of increased activity on noise levels, wildlife habitats, cultural and natural resources, energy supply, air quality, and public health and safety.

Under the proposal, the authorization would include up to 50 integrated launch-vehicle static fires and 50 second-stage static fires annually. The FAA is comparing this increased cadence against a ‘no-action alternative,’ which would maintain the current limit of 12 launches per year.