Be 3 Rocket Engine
BE-3 Rocket Engine
The BE-3, or Blue Engine 3, is a cryogenic rocket engine developed by Blue Origin. It uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as its propellants, placing it in the category of liquid-propellant rockets.
Development and Variants
Development of the BE-3 began in the early 2010s, with Blue Origin completing the engine's acceptance testing in early 2015. The engine is employed in two primary variants: the BE-3PM and the BE-3U.
BE-3PM
The BE-3PM variant is utilized on the New Shepard suborbital rocket. This rocket made its first test flight on April 29, 2015, and successfully undertook its first crewed mission on July 20, 2021. The New Shepard is designed for suborbital space tourism and scientific research, illustrating Blue Origin's commitment to advancing human access to space.
BE-3U
The BE-3U variant powers the second stage of the New Glenn orbital rocket. New Glenn is a more ambitious project aimed at competing with other heavy-lift launch vehicles. The BE-3U was part of the New Glenn's inaugural flight on January 16, 2025. This variant underscores Blue Origin's strategic expansion into orbital missions.
Strategic Importance and Industrial Impact
Following the acquisition of Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne by Aerojet Rocketdyne in 2012, Blue Origin identified a strategic gap in the defense industrial base. The company, under the leadership of president Rob Meyerson, entered the liquid rocket engine market. They partnered with United Launch Alliance (ULA) on the development of the BE-4 and collaborated with other aerospace companies.
Technological Context
The BE-3 is part of a lineage of rocket engines developed by Blue Origin since the 2000s. It contributes to the broader landscape of rocket propulsion technologies alongside engines such as the SpaceX Raptor, the Rutherford by Rocket Lab, and the Vulcain used in the Ariane rockets. The BE-3's development illustrates the ongoing evolution and innovation within the field of space exploration.