Jeff Bezos unveils Blue Moon lunar lander

Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos has revealed the Blue Moon lunar lander, which can take people and payloads to the lunar surface. He also discussed his vision to go to space to benefit Earth during a special event May 9, 2019.

Blue Moon is a large lunar lander capable of delivering metric tons of payload to the lunar surface, depending on configuration and mission. The cargo variant revealed can carry 3.6metric-tons to the surface.

Another variant of the lander can carry a 6.5metric-ton, human-rated ascent stage. Blue Origin claims it can meet the current administration’s goal of putting Americans on the moon by 2024 with the Blue Moon lunar lander.

The Blue Moon lunar lander will be powered by the BE-7 engine, a new addition to Blue Origin’s engine family. The BE-7’s 40kN (10,000 lbf) thrust is designed for large lunar payload transport. The engine’s propellants are a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The BE-7 will have its first hot-fire test this summer. The engine will be available for sale to other companies for use in in-space and lander applications.

Bezos – Amazon’s founder, chairman, CEO, and president – also introduced Club for the Future, a non-profit founded by Blue Origin dedicated to inspiring and engaging the next generation of dreamers and space entrepreneurs to preserve Earth and unlock the potential of living and working in space. The Club will bring together K-12 students, educators, and leaders for campaigns and initiatives using Blue Origin’s access to space. The Club’s first activity will be to send a postcard to space and back on a future New Shepard mission.