Blue Origin is planning a significant transformation at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) in Cape Canaveral, Florida (USA). The goal is to convert this area into a facility equipped with two platforms, intended to support the future New Glenn 9x4 rocket, which will be a more robust and powerful version of the vehicle under development.
This announcement comes while the company continues restoration work on platform LC-36A, which sustained damage after an explosion involving a New Glenn during a test conducted in May.
Furthermore, Blue Origin plans to build several support structures near the complex. These include the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) designated for the New Glenn 9x4 and the Payload Processing Facility (PPF).
The company expressed confidence that it will complete the repairs to LC-36A in time to allow the New Glenn 7x2 to return to flight by the end of this year. However, Blue Origin has not yet disclosed dates for the completion of the new LC-36B or for the first launch of the New Glenn 9x4.
The need to rebuild LC-36A arose after the detonation of the fourth New Glenn, identified as NG-4, during a test on May 28. This rocket was scheduled to carry a set of Amazon Leo internet satellites but was destroyed during the trial, causing considerable damage to the complex's infrastructure.
In June, Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin, communicated the company's intention to get New Glenn operational before the end of 2026. At that time, it was reported that equipment recovery and debris removal activities had been completed, and platform reconstruction had begun. However, LC-36A will not merely be restored to its original state.
Blue Origin opted to implement a new operational scheme, which mixes horizontal and vertical phases. The rocket stages will initially be joined horizontally at the integration facility. Subsequently, the assembled vehicle will be transported to the platform, where a crane will move it into the vertical position. The payload will only be installed after the New Glenn is in this position.
This change replaces the previous method of transporting and elevating the rocket using a crane system, which, according to the company, may also increase launch frequency. This hybrid operational model was already being developed for the New Glenn 9x4 and will now also be applied to the reconstructed LC-36A.


