HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - An engine for a new United Launch Alliance orbital rocket will be built in north Alabama.
The company said Thursday it has selected Blue Origin’s BE-4 advanced booster engine to power its Vulcan Centaur rocket. Founded by Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin plans to construct the engine at a plant announced last year for Huntsville.
United Launch Alliance already manufactures Atlas V and Delta IV rockets at a factory in Decatur. It says the Blue Origin engine will be used in the booster stage of the new launch vehicle, which is on track for an initial flight in 2020.
Blue Origin has said the Huntsville factory will employ about 350 people.
The Huntsville Chamber of Commerce says the company plans to break ground soon.
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