A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket stands at its Florida launch site. The U.S. Space Force chose Blue Origin after requesting information from firms interested in developing a heavy and super-heavy rocket facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket stands at its Florida launch site. The U.S. Space Force chose Blue Origin after requesting information from firms interested in developing a heavy and super-heavy rocket facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Credit: Contributed photo

Blue Origin has been chosen to move to the next phase of the process toward launching its monstrous rocket known as New Glenn from a yet-to-be-built facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

On Tuesday, the Space Force announced the selection of the firm started by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.

The announcement occurred months after the Space Force issued a request for information about proposals for development and operation of heavy or super-heavy rockets at Space Launch Complex-14 (SLC-14).

“The down-selection of Blue Origin to continue in the process for final determination of a lease at SLC-14 represents a critical milestone at the Vandenberg Spaceport,” said Col. James Horne III, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. 

“By taking the next steps to further develop heavy and super-heavy space launch capabilities at SLC-14, we’re continuing to unleash our capacity to execute full-spectrum space operations for the nation,” Horne added.

SLC-14 would become the most southern launch facility at the base and would be built on previously undisturbed land. 

“Blue Origin appreciates the Space Force’s confidence in selecting us to pursue a launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and we look forward to a strong partnership,” a Blue Origin spokesperson said Tuesday.

“Establishing a New Glenn launch site to provide efficient access to high-inclination orbits for our customers is a priority, and SLC-14 represents a viable option. We are committed to supporting this effort and the communities we launch from.”

At 320 feet tall, New Glenn is touted as one of the largest rockets ever built. Its reusable first-stage employs seven American-made BE-4 engines.

New Glenn has launched twice from Florida, with the third mission aiming for this week, also from Florida.

The selection of Blue Origin for Vandenberg moves the effort to the next phase, with several crucial milestones still remaining before any heavy or super-heavy rockets blast off from SLC-14, military officials said.

The selection will lead to talks between Blue and Space Force to hash out terms and conditions of a real property use agreement for the land.

Other key milestones needing to be completed include safety assessments and an environmental impact analysis on the proposed launch site construction and liftoff activity.

In December, the military issued a request for information to identify companies capable of large-scale launch operations at SLC-14, an undeveloped location at the southern-most point of Vandenberg. 

This effort supports the nation’s Commercial Space Strategy, enhances national security, and aligns with federal space objectives, military officials said. 

Respondents were evaluated based on technical capability, financial maturity and alignment with U.S. government requirements, the military said.

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket stands at its Florida launch site. The U.S. Space Force chose Blue Origin after requesting information from firms interested in developing a heavy and super-heavy rocket facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket stands at its Florida launch site. The U.S. Space Force chose Blue Origin after requesting information from firms interested in developing a heavy and super-heavy rocket facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Credit: Contributed photo

“The selection of Blue Origin reflects their ability to meet these criteria and contribute to the development of heavy or super-heavy launch capabilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base,” officials said.

Vandenberg officials remained mum on the names or numbers of other rocket manufacturers that submitted proposals in response to the request for information.

“Expanding launch operations at Vandenberg could create jobs, drive economic growth, enhance the region’s role in assured access to space and increase national security,” base officials said in announcing the selection of Blue Origin.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.