Blue Origin hasn't officially announced the price of a New Glenn launch yet. However, there are some clues and estimations that can help us understand the potential cost:

  • Estimated development cost: Blue Origin has reportedly invested over $7 billion in developing the New Glenn rocket. This suggests a high launch price to recoup those costs.
  • Market competition: New Glenn competes with SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and Starship, both with established pricing. Falcon Heavy costs around $90 million per launch, while Starship is aiming for a much lower price point of $5 million. New Glenn's price might fall somewhere in this range.
  • NASA contract: Blue Origin secured a $20 million contract with NASA to launch the ESCAPADE mission, suggesting a potential per-launch cost around this figure for government missions.
  • Analysts' predictions: Industry experts estimate New Glenn's launch cost could be between $100 million and $200 million.

Is it worth the price?

It depends on your payload and priorities. Here's a breakdown:

Pros:

  • Heavy payload capacity: New Glenn can lift 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit and 13 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit, exceeding its competitors.
  • Reusable first stage: The first stage can land and be reused, potentially lowering future launch costs.
  • Clean burning engine: Uses liquid hydrogen fuel, reducing emissions compared to traditional rockets.
  • Blue Origin's reputation: Jeff Bezos' involvement and their focus on innovation inspire confidence.

Cons:

  • Unproven technology: New Glenn has yet to make its first orbital flight, adding an element of risk.
  • Limited launch history: Compared to SpaceX's experience, Blue Origin has fewer launches and a shorter track record.
  • Price uncertainty: Without an official price, it's difficult to assess cost-effectiveness accurately.

Overall, New Glenn's value proposition is still unfolding. Its large payload capacity and reusability are attractive, but the unproven technology and price uncertainty raise questions.

For missions requiring heavy payloads and eco-friendly launches, New Glenn could be worth considering, especially if its price falls within the lower estimates. However, for smaller payloads or those seeking a more established launch provider, other options might be preferable until New Glenn's track record and pricing solidify.