Panelists: Manufacturing could resurge in powerful boost for regions

https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2025/05/05/manufacturing-resurge-powerful-boost-regions.html 

Orizon President Henry Newell participated in a prominent manufacturing panel discussion hosted by the Kansas City Business Journal and sponsored by Fifth Third Bank on May 5, 2025. The event focused on the powerful economic impact of manufacturing and featured insights from leading industry executives.

During the discussion, Newell highlighted Orizon’s remarkable success story at our Chanute, Kansas facility as a prime example of manufacturing’s multiplier effect on regional economies. Since opening in 2016 with 30 employees and a starting wage of $13 per hour, the facility has grown to employ nearly 500 people with starting wages approaching $22 per hour. This growth contributed to reducing local unemployment from 7.6 percent to less than 3 percent.

Key highlights from Newell’s presentation:

  • Economic Impact: Our Chanute facility demonstrates the powerful multiplier effect of manufacturing, purchasing components from hundreds of suppliers and creating significant regional economic benefits

  • Technology Leadership: Orizon’s investment in cutting-edge automation, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality technologies to maximize efficiency and enable continuous production

  • Workforce Development: Partnership with Neosho County Community College featuring an Orizon-branded training room for aerospace and defense mechanics1

The panel discussion emphasized manufacturing’s critical role in economic growth, with each manufacturing job generating five to seven additional jobs in the economy and every manufacturing dollar creating approximately $3 in GDP.

This recognition underscores Orizon’s position as a leader in aerospace manufacturing and our commitment to driving economic growth in the communities where we operate.

Industry Recognition

2025-03-18_Kevin Michaels – Demise Of Commercial Aerostructures_K Michaels_AeroDynamic Advisory (003)

Orizon Aerostructures was included in a presentation by Dr. Kevin Michaels, Managing Director of AeroDynamic Advisory, at The Aerospace Event in Beverly Hills on March 18, 2025. Dr. Michaels, a globally recognized expert in aerospace manufacturing and winner of the 2019 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award, referenced our company during his comprehensive analysis titled “The Demise of Commercial Aerostructures”.

The presentation was delivered to an exclusive gathering of aerospace industry executives, suppliers, and stakeholders at this premier industry conference1. Dr. Michaels has over 37 years of professional experience and has completed more than 600 consulting engagements for leading aviation and aerospace companies worldwide.

This recognition highlights our company’s relevance and standing within the evolving aerospace supply chain landscape as discussed by one of the industry’s most respected thought leaders.

Press Release: Alan Young Appointed as COO

Orizon Press Release Alan Young COO May 1 2025

 

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orizon Aerostructures Appoints Alan Young as Chief Operating Officer

 

Kansas City, MO – April 29, 2025 – Orizon Aerostructures today announced the appointment of Alan Young as Chief Operating Officer, effective May 12, 2025. Mr. Young joins Orizon with nearly 40 years of aerospace manufacturing and supply chain leadership experience, including senior roles at Spirit AeroSystems,  Bombardier-Learjet and Vought. Throughout his career, Alan has led large-scale manufacturing operations, managed global supply chains, and driven continuous improvement initiatives across major aerospace organizations. In his final role at Spirit AeroSystems, Alan served as Senior Vice President, Fabrication, and Chief Procurement Officer.

In his new role at Orizon, Mr. Young will lead operational excellence initiatives across all Orizon facilities, focusing on production efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery. His leadership and extensive experience will be invaluable as Orizon ramps its operations to meet the rapid growth in demand from the company’s customers across the commercial aerospace, defense, and space sectors.

“Alan’s extensive aerospace manufacturing expertise and proven leadership is perfectly aligned with our Quality First culture and company objective of ‘Always deliver a quality product on time’”, said Charlie Newell, CEO of Orizon Aerostructures.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:
Orizon Aerostructures Corporate Communications
1200 Main Street, Suite 4000
Kansas City, MO 64105

dmarriott@orizonaero.com

 

About Orizon Aerostructures:

Founded in 2016, Orizon Aerostructures is an organically grown, vertically integrated, aerospace technology company. Orizon manufacturers some of the largest, most complex structural components serving customers across the commercial aerospace, defense, and space markets. The Company has invested in a quality-first culture, advanced technologies, state-of-the-art equipment and unique personnel.  Orizon has been recognized for its quality record and has been presented with multiple awards for innovation, transparency, partnership and overall operating performance. As one of the most advanced manufacturing companies serving the broader aerospace and defense market, Orizon is “Building Something Unique.”

More information can be found on the company’s website:  www.orizonaero.com

End of Release

 

Recipient of Lockheed Martin 2023 Ahead of Ready Award F-35

2023 Ahead of Ready Award F-35 – Orizon Aerostructures

 

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is pleased to announce Orizon Aerostructures (Duns #080939378) as the winner of the F-35 Ahead of Ready Award for 2023. We want to thank you and your employees for showing continued commitment ensuring those we serve always stay ahead of ready.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance combat, air mobility, and reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, relies heavily on our supply base to provide key components required to meet our customer’s needs. You are an essential part of the team who helps ensure our customers know that at Lockheed Martin, Our Brand Means Quality. Your workmanship and support beyond the call of duty to help Aeronautics and our customers to stay ahead of threats is recognized and greatly appreciated. We look forward to continuing our relationship with you in the future.

To celebrate this milestone and as a token of our appreciation, we would like to commemorate your achievement with a banner and certificate that will be shipped to your facility.

Thank you again for your partnership and your commitment to excellence.

Orizon in the classroom- Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education

WATCH VIDEO – https://orizonaero.wistia.com/medias/c2vkuc087f

CTE is career and technical education. The misconception is that it is just vocational, and it’s not. It’s career, which fits every student. Twenty nine years ago, when I started, the mindset was every student goes to college. When I started talking to students about  there’s good money in trades programs, there was definitely a stigma there. And it wasn’t just the students. It was a lot of time from the parents.  WATCH VIDEO LINK ABOVE

 

July 2023 Manufacturing Today Feature- Building something unique

 

 

Henry Newell, President, and Charlie Newell, CEO, have been working together since 1996. The earlier days of the brothers’ professional

venture together saw them acquiring a number of businesses across different sectors, however they found a life-long passion in

the very first sector into which they dove. “The first company we purchased was in aerospace,” opens Charlie, “and regardless of the other industries we’ve been involved in, aerospace has always been our favorite. Our goal was to build something unique, for us that meant “a vertically integrated aerospace company,” and Orizon has taken many steps to achieve that objective.

“Indeed,” adds Henry. “Historically, between the tier 1.5 to tier two space, there’s never been a large integrated aerospace company that’s been built organically. So, although we did start with two small acquisitions,

We  have been working to fulfill this vision since 2016, and since then have greenfield over 650,000 square feet and grown our team to over 850 employees. The best part is, everything’s been organic, starting with assembling the most talented team in the industry, developing expertise in machining the most complex monolithic parts in aerospace, processing them in our own chemical plant with proprietary technology, and then putting them together into large complex assemblies.”

In doing so, Orizon is differentiated from the other 19,000 machine shops across

the US. As a result of climbing up the bill of materials (BOM) in such a way, and taking on larger assemblies, the organization has a far smaller pool of competitors to contend with…   READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE  Orizon MOD2- Building something Unique July 2023 Manufacturing today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At present, the business has three machine shops in Olathe, Kansas, St. Louis, MO,

and Grove, OK. These each feed into its chemical processing plant in Chanute, Kansas, which is accompanied by two assembly-only facilities as well.

“Our entire site in Chanute has been organically built, a true greenfield project,”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry states. “We are unaware of another newer or more technology-driven aluminum processing plant than Orizon’s 105,000-square-foot facility in Chanute.

It’s responsible for anodizing, penetrant inspection, painting and inspecting all parts, before they’re sent next door to our 200,000-square-foot dedicated assembly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

facility. With tanks that are 30 feet long, 12 feet deep and three feet wide, this is where we process the most complex monolithic aluminum machine parts. They are ones that the industry relies on, which require a range of chemical treatments. We have prepared a bed/pit for future hard metals processing and are just one contract away from installation.”

US Senator Jerry Moran (KS) visited Orizon Chanute, KS Facility

Hosting My Annual Kansas Conservation Tour
Kansas Dairy Development in Deerfield
It was great to have so many people from across Kansas join me on this year’s Conservation Tour. This year, we were in Southwest Kansas and started the tour at Kansas Dairy Development (KDD) in Deerfield.

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The purpose of this stop was to learn from KDD about the water conservation techniques they use to raise calves and run an efficient dairy farm. KDD has invested in energy free and overflow-free water tanks, and through these efforts, water consumption has dropped more than two gallons per head, per day across the facility. Thank you to Jason Shamburg, owner of KDD, for hosting us and for sharing his insight on sustainability and conservation of resources for our state.

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Knoll Brothers, Inc. in Garden City
Our second stop was at Knoll Brothers, Inc. in Garden City. Shane and Zack Knoll operate an irrigated farm where they grow wheat, corn and sorghum. As fourth-generation farmers, they understand the importance of sustainable farming practices so that their family farm can continue for generations to come. Thank you to Shane and Zach for hosting us and for sharing their expertise with us during my Conservation Tour.

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Circle Land & Cattle Corporation in Garden City
For the final stop, we visited Circle Land & Cattle Corporation in Garden City to learn about their water conservation methods to responsibly utilize water from the Ogallala Aquifer.

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Circle Land & Cattle (CLC) was established in 1972 and was strategically developed with water pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer. As water in the Ogallala is declining, water conservation is a top priority.

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CLC’s conservation efforts help support Garden City’s water supply enabling the city to continue to grow and meet the water needs of the community. Thank you to Circle Land & Cattle for hosting us and sharing insight into their success with sustainable water conservation.

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On Sunday evening, prior to my 16th Annual Conservation Tour, I joined local leaders, education professionals, scientists and area agricultural producers to learn about and discuss the state of the Ogallala aquifer. We heard from industry experts on ways to mitigate depletion of the water supply and efforts to recharge the aquifer that is vital to the economy of Southwest Kansas.

Goodtimes Grill
Thank you as well to Goodtimes Grill from Copeland for serving us lunch during the final stop on my Conservation Tour. I first ate Goodtimes Grill during Dodge City Days and was excited they could serve more than 100 of us during the tour.

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Hosting U.S. Army Chief of Staff General McConville in Kansas

On Thursday, I hosted General James McConville, the 40th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley. At Fort Leavenworth, we spoke to soldiers participating in the Army’s Pre-Command Course, a training program created to help future Company Commanders and First Sergeants prepare for command. These soldiers are the future leaders of our Army, and they display true commitment to service of our country.

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During our visit to Fort Riley, we met with soldiers and saw some of the vital training capabilities this base offers. While Fort Riley has projected growth over the next several years, for further gains to be made, we have to overcome the current recruiting crisis. We are in the most challenging recruiting environment since the creation of the all-volunteer force. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work with the Army to make certain they have the resources needed to address this crisis. Our visit to Fort Riley concluded with a chance to visit with local leaders in the Fort Riley community. Support from the community is critical in these efforts to maintain a strong national defense, and we are grateful to these Kansans for making the Fort Riley community a great place for its soldiers and their families to call home.

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Thank you to General McConville for his leadership and for taking the time to visit these bases in Kansas, which continue to be a source of pride for our state. Special thanks as well to General Theodore Martin, Fort Leavenworth Commanding General and Fort Riley First Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General Niave Knell for hosting us, and to all of our soldiers and their families who sacrifice to defend and serve our great country.
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Monica Bassett – 2022 Army Spouse of the Year
While at Fort Riley, I met Monica Bassett who was named the 2022 Army Spouse of the Year. A military spouse of eight years and mom of two, Monica is currently stationed at Fort Riley with her husband, Major Gregory Bassett. It was an honor to meet her and speak with her about the work she is doing at Fort Riley to serve our soldiers, their families and the surrounding local community.

Military service is family service. Thank you to Monica for her sacrifice, service and dedication to our military community.Image

Showcasing Kansas’ Contribution to Space
We are approaching the dawn of a new era in space. In the coming days, NASA’s Artemis I mission will launch on the first Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Kennedy Space Center. Artemis I is an uncrewed test flight of NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon and beyond.

I recently hosted the head of NASA in Kansas to showcase our state’s contributions to NASA and the Artemis mission. Watch the video below to learn more about Administrator Nelson’s visit to Kansas.

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President Biden’s Student Loan Announcement
President Biden’s $300 billion plan to cancel student loans will fuel inflation and do nothing to actually lower the cost of higher education. There is no doubt that times are hard for many Americans, but canceling student loan debt is unfair to the millions of Americans who worked their way through college, chose careers that didn’t require a college degree, saved money and paid off their own debt or enlisted in the military. Forcing Kansans, who worked hard and played by the rules, to pay other people’s debt is not right.

Visiting Humboldt
On Tuesday, I was in Humboldt and met with a number of folks including Mayor Nobby Davis and City Administrator Cole Herder. I also toured the downtown square with Paul and Alana Cloutier of A Bolder Humboldt who moved to Kansas from California about five years ago. This organization was established to help bolster the community by connecting with large employers and identifying businesses to recruit to the area. They also help rehabilitate storefronts in the downtown district, which is now home to a confectionery store, a coffee shop, several restaurants, clothing boutiques and video golf.Humboldt’s efforts go beyond their downtown and are one of the reasons why the community has been featured in newspapers and magazines across the nation. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us into their stores and stopped for conversation.

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Touring Orizon Aerostructures in Chanute
This week, I visited Orizon Aerostructures for a tour of their assembly plant in Chanute and to learn more about the work they do manufacturing aviation parts here in the heartland. Founded in 2016, this company services commercial, defense and general aviation. They currently have six locations, and the plant in Chanute is the newest facility.

In 2021, Blue Origin announced a multi-year partnership with Orizon to work on Blue Origin’s engine program and their reusable heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Because of the success they have seen with their southeast Kansas location, and the strong work ethic of Kansans who work in this facility, Orizon is looking to double its size. Currently, there are 378 employees working at the Chanute location.

It was great to hear about the continued efforts by Orizon to make certain aviation parts are manufactured domestically and specifically, right here in Kansas. Thank you to Orizon CEO Charlie Newell and President Henry Newell, as well as Charlie’s son Rick Newell, for hosting me during this visit. Thanks as well to Todd Newman, Chanute City Manager, Matt Godinez, Chanute Economic Development Director and Director of the SEK Regional Planning Commission and Jane Brophy, Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, for joining us.

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Visiting KwiKom Communications in Iola
This week, I visited KwiKom Communications in Iola to learn from them about the work they do to provide Internet access to Kansans. First opened in 2004, KwiKom Communications provides high speed Internet coverage to 45 counties in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. One of their first business opportunities was helping grain elevators access the Internet to check commodity information. Today, they continue to work to help bring broadband access to rural areas of Kansas and to work with other providers to make certain that our Kansas communities are connected through reliable, high-speed Internet coverage. Thanks to John Terry of KwiKom Communications for hosting me during this visit and to Jonathan Goering, Economic Development Director for Thrive Allen County, for joining.

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Attending the Manhattan Chamber’s Established Business Leaders Lunch
On Thursday, I attended the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Established Leaders lunch group. It was great to join this group to discuss current issues facing the local Manhattan community. I expressed my shared goals of supporting Fort Riley, Kansas State University, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and other economic development projects like the Scorpion commitment. The Manhattan Chamber continues to be a driving leader in the community, supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth for the area. Thank you to Jason Smith, Chamber CEO, for the opportunity to stop by and visit with chamber members.

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Touring Vortex Global in Salina
I recently visited Vortex Global in Salina, a family-owned company that employs more than 400 people in the community. The components produced by Vortex are used in the manufacturing process of food and beverages, plastics and chemicals, minerals and metal and pharmaceuticals. During this visit, I was impressed by the work ethic, dedication and culture of this organization, as well as the wide scope of equipment produced right here in the heart of Kansas. Thank you to Vortex CEO Travis Young for hosting me during this visit and for investing in the Salina community.

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Attending the Alton Summer Jubilee Parade
It was great to be at the Alton Summer Jubilee Parade on Saturday and see familiar faces and speak with Kansans about the issues that matter to them. I also enjoyed the chance to talk with several members of the Alton American Legion during the parade.

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Visiting VFW Post #8873 in Stockton
On Saturday, I also had lunch at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #8873 in Stockton. It is always an honor to spend time with those who have served our nation, and I am grateful to each of these veterans for the sacrifices they made to protect and defend our country.

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Kansans Helping the People of Ukraine
In times of need, Kansans always help others. In Wichita, Beth Hawkins is working to provide handcrafted quilts to the people of Ukraine. After seeing millions of Ukrainians flee their country following Russia’s invasion, Beth and her business partner Gina Halladay decided to help them by creating Wrap Ukraine with Quilts. Watch below to hear from Beth about this important initiative and the work being done to collect quilts from all across the U.S. to send overseas to Ukrainians in need. For more information and to support these efforts, you can visit: www.HelloCottons.com

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Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tour
Jason Barnes of Holton

Lori Barnes of Holton

Laura Brancato of Lenexa

Ari Brancato Of Lenexa

Mario Brancato of Lenexa

Cindy Green of Lenexa

Ruth Schumann of Pittsburg

Bryan Thomas of Lenexa

Samantha Thomas of Lenexa

Matt VanDyke of Shawnee

Orizon – Rex Kelly : Tony Gunn Interview – Modig

I’m with my buddy Rex today. We’re at Orizon Aerostructures and we are going to learn a little bit more about how Modig and the relationsihp   with Modig has really helped them succeed over the last few years. 

So, Rex Thank you so much for being a part of MTDC.   You’re welcome. 

And let’s let’s first talk about the real relationship that you’ve had for decades at this point. 

What the modig and the modig family?  

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE  https://orizonaero.wistia.com/medias/ji4t6zxtea

Blue Origin Signs Long-Term Agreements With Four Kansas Companies to Support New Glenn Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle and Engine Programs

Multi-year contracts showcase Greater Wichita region’s world-class manufacturers and historic leadership in aerospace innovation

WICHITA, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Blue Origin announced today that it has signed multi-year contracts with four Greater Wichita area companies: Accurus Aerospace Wichita, C.E. Machine Company Inc, Harlow Aerostructures LLC, and Orizon Aerostructures, LLC. These contracts will support Blue Origin’s engine programs as well as New Glenn, Blue Origin’s reusable heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle designed to support commercial, civil, and national security space missions.

“Accurus Wichita is proud to be a supplier partner with Blue Origin, and we believe these important programs will benefit from the deep aerospace manufacturing expertise in the greater Wichita area,” said Larry Johnson, President and General Manager of Accurus Aerospace Wichita, LLC.

“C.E. Machine is excited to have the opportunity to support ongoing programs supporting Blue Origin’s mission to create the next generation of astronauts. It is incredible to imagine that in the very near term these products will play an intricate role in the advancement of commercializing space travel. We are thankful for the opportunity provided by Blue Origin’s leadership team and are looking forward to a long-lasting partnership for generations to come,” said Ryan Smith, Director of Business Development at C.E. Machine.

“We are very excited and thankful to be a part of Blue Origin’s New Glenn Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle and engine programs. With the help of the Greater Wichita Partnership and Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, this opportunity will allow the next generation of Harlow employees a long career supporting Blue Origin, our community and our state. Thank you, Blue Origin, for allowing us to be your partner in this great adventure,” said Jim Barnes, President of Harlow Aerostructures.

“We are thrilled to join the Blue Origin team as a trusted partner and look forward to joining them on their great adventure to build a road to space,” said Henry Newell, President of Orizon Aerostructures.

“We at Team Blue are proud to forge supplier partnerships for our engine programs and New Glenn with these four world-class companies. The Greater Wichita region has played a pioneering role in aerospace that dates back to Amelia Earhart, and with these agreements, that legacy continues into the second golden age of spaceflight. We are thrilled for these manufacturers to join us as we write the next chapter of aerospace history. I want to thank Senator Jerry Moran and the Greater Wichita Partnership for hosting us in Wichita earlier this year and introducing us to these exceptional companies,” said Bob Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Origin.

About Accurus Aerospace Wichita

Founded in 1989, Accurus Aerospace Wichita LLC (formerly ZTM Aerospace) is a world-class aerospace manufacturing facility with a wide range of fabrication and machining capabilities. Offering mid-sized to large machined products and complex assemblies, Accurus is dedicated to providing the highest quality manufacturing to the aerospace sector. For additional information, please visit the Accurus Aerospace Wichita website at https://www.accurusaero.com/locations/accurus-aerospace-wichita/.

About C.E. Machine

For over 40 years, C.E. Machine has been the leading provider of superior engineering, machining, and assembly services. Offering innovative solutions for the aerospace, commercial, military, domestic, and global markets, C.E. Machine provides highly specialized services to deliver complex assemblies and machined components for projects of every size. For additional information, please visit the C.E. Machine website at https://www.cemachine.com/.

About Harlow Aerostructures

Founded in 1956, Harlow Aerostructures is a leading supplier of complex machined components and electro-mechanical and structural subassemblies to the commercial, business, and military aerospace industries and is a certified FAA/ EASA Repair Station. Harlow is committed to maintaining a technological edge through new machine acquisitions, upgrades, and management information systems in its operations. For additional information, please visit the Harlow Aerostructures website at https://www.harlowair.com/.

About Orizon

Founded in 2016 and serving commercial, defense, and general aviation, Orizon’s capabilities include major aircraft subassembly manufacturing, complex monolithic machining, processing, and programming/engineering. Orizon is committed to building one, large, integrated Aerospace and Defense business based on organic growth strategy supported by unique people, systems, processes, facilities, relationships, and equipment. For additional information, please visit the Orizon website at https://www.orizonaero.com/.

About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is a private space company developing launch vehicles, rocket engines, and in-space capabilities in order to lower the cost of access to space through operational reusability. The company has a long-term vision to enable a future with millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth with low-cost, highly reliable commercial space transportation. For additional information, please visit Blue Origin’s website at https://www.blueorigin.com.

Contacts

Will Boyington media@blueorigin.com