Blue Origin opens a new rocket engine plant in Alabama

China3D printingNet February 20th, Huntsville, Alabama now has Blue Origin’s new rocket engine production facility. This is the latest member of the Huntsville Cummings Research Park (CRP), which is the second largest in the United States. The Big Research Park is also the fourth largest research park in the world. Rocket City’s 46-acre plant will strengthen the production of Blue Origin’s BE-4 and BE-3U engines, which will power Blue Origin’s own orbital launch vehicle, the New Glenn rocket, and the United Launch Alliance’s next-generation Vulcan Centaur. Systems used for national security, civil, personnel, and commercial tasks.



BE-4 engine (Source: Blue Origin)

BE-4It has been in development since 2011 and it is a rocket engine fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). BE-4 uses an oxygen-enriched staged combustion cycle to provide 2,400 kN of thrust at sea level. The engine uses additive manufacturing as part of the key manufacturing process for thrust chambers and nozzles.According to this article on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Spectrum, “BE-4 uses3D printingTo speed up the design process, replace parts that previously took a year or more to cast or forged with original parts.and3D printingThe technology can be produced in just a few months, and the technology also allows components with complex shapes to be manufactured with fewer parts. “

There is no doubt that additive manufacturing provides the impetus for the production of rocket engines and shortens the delivery time. Like its competitors, Blue Origin is expanding the use of technology to improve the quality and efficiency of its rocket engines. According to the founding principles of the company’s founder Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin provides simpler, safer, and cheaper reusable products. To create low-cost, reusable products. Highly maneuverable rocket engine.

Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith said at the inauguration: “The core of every successful launch vehicle program is the engine that powers these vehicles. In the early days of the company’s history, we did A crucial decision was made to invest in the development of the next generation of reusable rocket engines. Now, this is an exciting time for Blue, our partners and this country.