Blue Origin plans to enhance its New Glenn rocket by introducing a new variant called 9×4, which will have nine engines on the first stage and four on the upper stage. This upgrade aims to increase payload capacity to over 70 metric tons and improve launch frequency, with the first flight of the upgraded rocket potentially occurring as early as 2027.

NASA's ESCAPADE mission, aimed at studying Mars, has encountered delays due to issues with its launch rocket and trajectory adjustments. Instead of a direct route, it will now take a longer path to wait for better planetary alignment, launching aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. The mission is budget-friendly for NASA but comes with increased risks due to the rocket's unproven status.

Blue Origin plans to launch its New Glenn rocket carrying an AST SpaceMobile satellite in late February. Notably, this mission will use a previously flown booster, marking a quick turnaround since its last flight in November. This contrasts with SpaceX's slower refly process for its Falcon 9.