Blue Origin Unveils Quattro Upgrade for New Glenn: 9x4 Super Heavy Configuration to Debut Next Year
Summary: On May 1, 2026, Blue Origin announced its "Quattro" second-stage upgrade program for the New Glenn rocket, doubling the second-stage engine count from 2 to 4 BE-3U engines while retaining 9 BE-4 engines on the first stage — forming a "9x4" super heavy configuration. The upgrade will significantly boost payload capacity to over 70 tonnes to LEO, with first flight targeted for as early as next year. The company also revealed aggressive production ramp-up targets: 60 second stages per year by Q3 2028, scaling to 100 per year by 2029.
Credit: Blue Origin
Sources (original pages)
- Ars Technica: Blue Origin Lays Out Plans for a Bigger, More Powerful New Glenn
- DoNews: Blue Origin to Upgrade New Glenn to 9x4 Configuration
- IT Home: Blue Origin Discloses New Glenn Upgrade Plan
Details
Blue Origin published the announcement via Ars Technica on May 1, 2026 (U.S. time), unveiling the "Quattro" second-stage upgrade program for its New Glenn rocket. The company is actively recruiting a senior manager dedicated to designing and manufacturing propellant tanks for the four-engine second stage — a critical component for storing cryogenic propellants.
From 7x2 to 9x4: Entering the Super Heavy Class
The current New Glenn configuration uses 7 BE-4 engines on the first stage and 2 BE-3U hydrogen-oxygen engines on the second stage, known as the "7x2" arrangement. The Quattro upgrade doubles the second-stage engine count from 2 to 4, resulting in a "9x4" configuration with 9 BE-4 engines on the first stage and 4 BE-3U engines on the second stage.
This upgrade marks New Glenn's entry into the global super heavy-lift rocket category. According to Ars Technica's analysis, the 9x4 version's low Earth orbit (LEO) payload capacity will increase significantly from approximately 45 tonnes to over 70 tonnes, positioning it to compete directly with SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and ULA's developing Vulcan Centaur.
Production Ramp-Up: 100 Second Stages Per Year by 2029
Beyond performance improvements, Quattro includes ambitious mass production targets outlined in the job posting:
- Current production capacity: 12 second stages per year
- Q3 2028 target: 60 units per year
- 2029 target: 100 units per year
This production scaling signals Blue Origin's preparation for high-frequency launch operations. With New Glenn already planned for 8–12 launches in 2026, the 9x4 variant — if it debuts next year as targeted — will substantially strengthen Blue Origin's competitiveness in both national security and commercial payload markets.
Competitive Landscape Against SpaceX
While New Glenn continues to evolve, competitor SpaceX is advancing its Starship program, targeting its first uncrewed Mars mission in H2 2026 and the Starlink V3 satellite system in 2027. The 9x4 New Glenn will further intensify competition between the two companies in the heavy-lift launch vehicle market.