Blue Origin has secured a position on the NASA Launch Services II contract vehicle as an “on-ramp” awardee, which provides Jeff Bezos’ space venture an opportunity to help the agency deploy spacecraft using the company-developed New Glenn rocket.
NASA said Thursday that multiple suppliers will compete for orders under the multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract through June 2025 and the agency expects work performance to conclude by December 2027.
The agency selects rocket providers who are capable of launching at least 551 pounds of payload into orbit. NLS II awardees may also propose new launch vehicles not yet listed in current agreements.
New Glenn is designed to use seven BE-4 liquefied natural gas-powered engines that will power the rocket’s reusable booster, according to Blue Origin.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other government agencies may also procure launch services through the NLS II contract.
