Blue Origin initiates LC-36 recovery, targets RTF by end of 2026

Date:
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:16:06 +0000

Description:
Blue Origin has wasted no time launching inspection, repair, and reconstruction activities at Launch Complex-36 The post Blue Origin initiates LC-36 recovery, targets RTF by end of 2026 appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com .

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Blue Origin has wasted no time launching inspection, repair, and reconstruction activities at Launch Complex-36 following the loss of a New Glenn vehicle during static fire testing last Thursday night. According to company CEO Dave Limp, the company intends to return the pad to flight operations with New Glenn before the end of this year.

While the feasibility of that timeline remains to be seen, initial
assessments and aerial imagery captured the morning after the event provide a clearer picture of the damage sustained at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station facility.

Extent of Damage to Launch Complex-36



The most striking absence is the New Glenn vehicle itself, which was
destroyed and scattered into thousands of pieces across the blast danger
area.

Among the visible infrastructure, the Lightning Protection Tower and Transporter-Erector (TE) suffered the most severe damage.

The toppled lightning tower, part of the ground systems designed to safeguard the vehicle from strikes, is destined for the scrapyard, as is the TE, also mangled structure, that came to rest atop the ramp leading to the pad and has partially collapsed into the flame trench below, alongside sections of the
pad deck.



Farther from the pad, the complexs iconic Water Tower standing at 107 meters tall, nine meters higher than New Glenn itself, its the tallest on the Space Coast appears largely intact.

Public statements from Dave Limp indicate it remains structurally sound despite surface scorching from the intense propellant fire. A fresh coat of paint would most likely address the cosmetic damage.

The nearby tank farm, which stores Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Methane (LNG), Liquid Hydrogen (LH2), and Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) for propellant and
subcooling operations, fared better than expected.

Tanks farthest from the pad four LH2 vessels shielded by a protective wall and five newly installed LN2 tanks show no obvious scorching or structural compromise.

The five LOX tanks, positioned closer to the pad, exhibit moderate scorching on their upper sections but remain serviceable. Three LNG tanks show less thermal damage, though one displays a significant dent. Two recently
installed vaporizers associated with the subcooling upgrade were knocked over by the blast wave.

A full tank farm replacement would represent a major schedule risk, but Limp confirmed via X that The propellant farm, oxygen, liquid hydrogen and LNG tanks are all in good shape. Some LC-36 updates. Now that weve had access to the pad and integration facility we can share a bit of good news. The propellant farm, oxygen, liquid hydrogen and LNG tanks are all in good shape. This is good luck because these are very long lead items. The water tower is also

Dave Limp (@davill) June 2, 2026



Inside the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF), three Glenn Stage 2 (GS2) vehicles and one Glenn Stage 1 (GS1) including the flown booster Never Tell Me The Odds, which achieved two successful landings were present at the time of the incident.

All four stages escaped damage, preserving flight hardware and providing a ready inventory to support future launch cadence once the pad returns to service.

Repair Plans for Key Infrastructure

The largest repair effort centers on the primary support tower. Post-event imagery revealed significant deformation, including a main beam at a lower corner completely severed and internal stair structures heavily mangled. Initial speculation suggested the tower might need to be demolished and replaced, but Limp stated that Blue Origin plans to conduct on-site repairs rather than construct a new structure a decision that could substantially accelerate the recovery timeline.

Operational Changes Driven by the Anomaly

Blue Origin intends to continue flying the current 72 configuration of New Glenn while maintaining strong production rates at its manufacturing facilities.

With multiple GS1 and GS2 stages already in work, the company anticipates a potential step-change in launch cadence once LC-36 is restored. The destruction of the Transporter-Erector has accelerated a shift already under study: vertical integration of the 72 vehicle directly at the pad, perhaps similar to Starship operations.

This approach eliminates reliance on a heavy TE system and aligns with preparations already underway for the larger 94 configuration. Stacking is expected to utilize conventional cranes in the near term, potentially leveraging existing breakover structures or hardware originally intended for the 94 pad. The loss of the dedicated lightning protection tower also raises questions about future ground systems. While most Florida pads feature extensive protection, alternatives such as destacking and rolling the vehicle to safety during severe weather, or even repurposing elements of the water tower, are under consideration.

Umbilical interfaces previously serviced by the TE will likely require new swing arms or a multi-umbilical design mounted to the repaired support tower, along with a new launch mount for the booster.

A new Vertical Refurbishment Facility near the Cape Canaveral Skid Strip, previously identified through FAA filings, is expected to support 94 operations rather than the current 72 vehicles. Timeline Feasibility

LC-36 was originally designed with significant over-engineering to support
the conceptual New Armstrong vehicle.

With a dedicated 94 pad already under construction farther north, Blue Origin may be able to implement a more streamlined repair focused solely on 72 requirements. Dave Limp has publicly committed to flying again before the end of the year.

Whether that aggressive schedule can be met will depend on the pace of repairs, integration changes, and regulatory coordination.

Regardless of the outcome, the transparent and timely public updates from
Blue Origin mark a notable departure from past practices and suggest a
company determined to accelerate its operational tempo.

(Lead Image via NSFs Jerry Pike).



The post Blue Origin initiates LC-36 recovery, targets RTF by end of 2026 appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com .



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Link to news story: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/06/blue-lc-36-recovery-rtf-end-2026/


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