CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A Blue Origin rocket exploded during an engine-firing test at the launch pad on Thursday night, causing a significant disturbance in the surrounding area. The incident briefly illuminated the night sky with an orange glow, alarming residents of nearby homes.
According to officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the New Glenn rocket, developed by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, suffered the explosion during the test, but no injuries were reported. Emergency crews were on the scene for over an hour to assess the situation.
In a statement via X, Bezos acknowledged the incident, stating, “It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it. Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.” Blue Origin also released a brief statement confirming the anomaly during the test and promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Residents in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach reported feeling their homes shake around 9 p.m. as the explosion occurred. Many took to social media to express their surprise and concern. Launch Complex 36, visible from the beach, quickly became a focal point for online discussions, with numerous photos capturing the orange fireball.
The New Glenn rocket, which stands at 321 feet (98 meters), was grounded in April after an earlier flight left a satellite in the incorrect orbit due to engine failure. This recent explosion marked only the third flight attempt for the rocket, which Blue Origin aims to utilize for launching landers to the moon for NASA.
The rocket was scheduled for a launch next week, intended to deploy internet satellites as part of the Amazon LEO constellation. The incident raises questions about the timeline for future missions and the operational readiness of the New Glenn.
Despite the explosion, officials reported that there was no ongoing threat from fumes or other hazards. Emergency responders remained on site to ensure safety. Blue Origin reassured the public that safety remains a top priority as they investigate the incident further.