Texas Space Commission Awards Grant to Blue Origin, Inc.
Austin, TX - The Texas Space Commission (TSC) announced a Space Exploration & Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) grant of up to $7,000,000 has been awarded to Blue Origin, Inc. for enhancing their subcooling propellant capabilities at an engine test facility in Van Horn, TX.
This project would develop and activate subcooling upgrades for the XEEx Engine Test Stand, enabling use of subcooled liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LOX) for BE-4 engines. This investment will enable installation of additional liquid nitrogen storage tanks, activation and tuning of upgraded systems, as well as validation of test readiness. Collectively, these upgrades are intended to expand Texas-based propulsion test capacity and support advanced launch vehicle development.
This grant award will enhance Texas’ rocket engine testing infrastructure and support continued innovation for launch propulsion technologies. TSC funding will reimburse eligible expenditures for equipment, facility upgrades, testing infrastructure, and other direct costs associated with the project. This grant has a current termination date of September 30, 2026.
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About Blue Origin, Inc.
Blue Origin, Inc. is building a road to space for the benefit of earth. Blue Origin means “Earth”. They envision a future where millions of people will live and work in space with a single-minded purpose: to restore and sustain Earth, our blue origin. Learn more.
About the Texas Space Commission
Established by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023 through House Bill 3447, authored by Rep. Greg Bonnen, M.D., the Texas Space Commission advances innovation in the fields of space exploration and commercial aerospace to strengthen the state’s proven leadership across civil, commercial, and military domains. To date, the total appropriation made by the Legislature for the SEARF Trust is $450 million. Learn more.
Contact
To submit a media inquiry to the Texas Space Commission, please send an email to: TSCPressInquiries@space.texas.gov