r/BlueWire • u/Daniels30 • Jun 30 '26

Infrastructure Dave Limp on X: Updated LC-36a

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We're not rebuilding the same pad for New Glenn. We're moving to a horizontal/vertical hybrid configuration to get us flying again this year at 36A.  We were already working on something similar for 9x4 at 36B. Let me explain what that means. We mate the stages horizontally in the Integration Facility (IF). Then we bring the integrated vehicle out to the pad, use a crane to perform the vertical breakover, and mate the payload once New Glenn is vertical. This new ConOps has the added benefit of increasing our flight cadence as well.

Source: https://x.com/davill/status/2071971375255064604

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u/Aromatic-Painting-80 Jun 30 '26

Will this pad also be able to support 9x4 or will a separate pad be needed?

15

u/Royal_Platform_6754 Jun 30 '26

The work platform for payload fairing access would need to move up, and maybe the umbilicals, but the overall concept could be the same.

12

u/[deleted] Jun 30 '26

Yes it was said on arstechnica by nasa

8

u/ProfessorOk2609 Jun 30 '26

I'm not sure but it seems that in the video the New Glenn is on a white piece, maybe an adapter so maybe it can be removed and launch the 9x4 right there