Introducing Northstar: A New Booster Engine with More Thrust and Less Mass

Blue Origin announced Northstar, a new liquid oxygen/liquefied natural gas (LOX/LNG) booster engine that produces 715,000 pounds of thrust. 

Northstar leverages Blue Origin's in-house large-scale additive manufacturing capabilities, with more than 65% of the engine produced through additive manufacturing. Compared to the BE-4 engine, Northstar reduces mass by 30% and parts count by 50%, while increasing thrust from 640,000 to 715,000 pounds-force. Manufacturing advancements have also significantly shortened production timelines, enabling assembly in less than a day. 

Moving from program approval to development testing in just 11 months, Northstar demonstrates Blue Origin’s ability to rapidly iterate and deliver advanced propulsion systems. The engine retains the proven liquefied natural gas-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle and single-shaft turbopump architecture that have been foundational to Blue Origin’s propulsion development.  

Northstar becomes Blue Origin's second booster engine, joining BE-4. Together, the engines reinforce Blue Origin's position as a leading producer of American-made rocket engines, providing a comprehensive propulsion portfolio that spans booster, upper-stage, and in-space engines.