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.

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.