Blue Origin unveils Blue Moon lunar lander, vision for space

Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin (Kent, Wash., U.S.), on May 9 discussed the company’s vision “to go to space to benefit Earth.” The press event also marked the unveiling of the company’s Blue Moon lunar lander, which is reportedly capable of delivering multiple metric tons of payload to the lunar surface based on configuration and mission.

The Blue Moon cargo variant can reportedly carry 3.6 metric tons to the surface. Blue Origin has also designed a variant of the lander that is said to be capable of carrying a 6.5-metric-ton, human-rated ascent stage.

The Blue Moon lunar lander will be powered by the company’s new BE-7 engine, which is designed for large lunar payload transport and reportedly delivers 40 kN (10,000 lbf) of thrust using a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellents. 

Blue Origin says the new lander can enable the current Administration’s goal of putting Americans on the Moon by 2024.  

Bezos also discussed Blue Origin’s New Shepard and New Glenn rocket platforms, as well as a vision for the future of human life in space based on colonies stationed near Earth with the goal of preserving the planet for future generations. He announced a non-profit Club For the Future created to inspire the next generation of dreamers and space entrepreneurs to explore the potential of living and working in space.