United Launch Alliance has announced they will be using Blue Origin's BE-4 engine for their upcoming Vulcan rocket. This is a significant milestone in the rocket's development since the other engine under consideration, Aerojet Rocketdyne's AR1, required different fuel and different tank sizes.
BE-4 will be a great engine for Vulcan and help it be a super rocket. The only negative is that Blue Origin has recently started going after launch contracts ULA has bid on. ULA will get a great rocket at the cost of funding their competition.
Vulcan should be ready for its first launch in 2020. SMART reuse is planned for a few years after that.
BE-4 will be a great engine for Vulcan and help it be a super rocket. The only negative is that Blue Origin has recently started going after launch contracts ULA has bid on. ULA will get a great rocket at the cost of funding their competition.
Vulcan should be ready for its first launch in 2020. SMART reuse is planned for a few years after that.