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Watch: Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explodes during test
Blue Origin confirmed it experienced an "anomaly" during a static fire test Thursday night, resulting in the rocket appearing to explode on the launch pad. Fortunately, all people were accounted for and no one was hurt, officials said. John C. shared this video with us, which captured the explosion, sending massive plumes of fire and smoke into the air.
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. - Blue Origin's "New Glenn" rocket appeared to explode on the launch pad Thursday night after suffering an "anomaly" during a static fire test, officials said. No one was hurt and there is no threat to the public, officials said.
An investigation has been launched to determine damage to the Launch Pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base and what happened. All people are accounted for and no one was hurt, officials said. Here is the latest information.
Blue Origin live updates
Health warning as debris could wash ashore in Florida
What they're saying:
Officials with Cape Canaveral Space Force Base and Blue Origin said debris from the rocket explosion could wash ashore in Florida and warned people not to touch it, citing potential health risks.
Blue Origin has set up a hotline and email to report debris:
- Call 1-321-222-4355
- MissionRecovery@blueorigin.com
Cape Canaveral initially told people to report potential sightings to 911. However, Brevard County Emergency Management said Friday morning to not call 911, and to call Blue Origin's hotline.
FAA statement on Blue Origin
"The FAA is aware that the Blue Origin New Glenn vehicle experienced an anomaly during a static fire test on the pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida around 9 p.m. local time on May 28. This test was not within the scope of FAA licensed activities. There was no impact to air traffic. Please contact Blue Origin for more information."
Officials: No injuries or fatalities after Blue Origin explosion
Minutes after the explosion, Blue Origin said all of its people were accounted for. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station said in a news release that no injuries or deaths were reported after the explosion.
What happened? Investigation underway to determine cause of explosion
"Range officials, in coordination with Blue Origin and appropriate partners, are currently evaluating available data to determine the exact cause of the anomaly," Cape Canaveral Space Force Station said in a news release Thursday night.
NASA Admin Jared Isaacman on Blue Origin: Let's investigate and get back to launching rockets
NASA Admin. Jared Isaacman said an investigation had been launched to determine what went wrong during Blue Origin's static fire test Thursday night.
"Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult. We will work with our partners to support a thorough investigation of this anomaly, assess near-term mission impacts, and get back to launching rockets."
Blue Origin Founder Jeff Bezos reacts to rocket explosion
What is Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket?
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is described on its website as a "giant, reusable rocket built for bigger things." It is named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.
According to the website, the New Glenn rocket:
- Stands more than 320 feet tall
- It has a seven-meter fairing, allowing it to hold more stuff for transport (payloads)
- Designed to handle a minimum of 25 flights
- First stage is powered by 7 BE-4 engines, and designed to be reuseable
- Second stage is powered by two restartable BE-3u engines
- Contained four fins
- Has six hydraulic legs to support first stage during landing
New Glenn's rocket is housed at Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, nine miles away from Blue Origin's factory. It's home to the launch pad, vehicle integration, first stage refurbishment, propellant, and an environmental control center.
Blue Origin Moon land
Just last week, NASA announced that Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance Lander would be part of the first moon base missions to deliver NASA payloads to the lunar surface. That mission was anticipated for no earlier than fall 2026.
NASA awarded Blue Origin a $188 million contract with an option period worth $280.4 million to deliver its rovers.
The Source: This is a live blog with the latest updates on Blue Origin's rocket explosion. Information is coming from Blue Origin, Founder Jeff Bezos, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, NASA and NASA Admin. Jared Isaacman, City of Cape Canaveral, and Brevard County Emergency Management.