Blue Origin rolling out New Glenn first stage to launch pad

Blue Origin is rolling out the first stage of the New Glenn heavy rocket to the launch pad at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

A few days ago, Blue Origin assembled seven BE-4 engines to the first stage at its factory. The company also shared visuals of the engine module to show the assembly.

Dave Limp, Blue Origin’s CEO posted the first stage rollout status on X showing the transporter trailers connected by cradles and an assembly designed in-house.

Blue Origin New Glenn first stage rolling out to the launch pad (Credit – Blue Origin)

It has 22 axles and 176 tires on the transport vehicle and is towed by an Oshkosh M1070 army tank transporter with 505 horsepower and 1,825 pound-feet of torque.

Blue Origin named this truck “GERT” a Giant Enormous rocket Truck. It has 310 feet of length from the front bumper to the rear of the trailer.

After loading on the vehicle, the first stage will travel a 23-mile journey to the pad. Limp has not shared any details about plans after reaching the pad but it’s most likely we may see a static fire test.

Last month, Blue Origin conducted a hot fire test for the second stage as it prepares for the first flight. The rocket maker has announced that the first New Glenn could fly in November.