CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A Blue Origin rocket exploded during an engine-firing test at the launch pad on Thursday night, causing a shockwave that resonated through nearby homes and illuminating the sky with an orange glow.
The company, founded by Jeff Bezos, confirmed that its New Glenn rocket was involved in the incident. Fortunately, all personnel were accounted for, as stated by Blue Origin on social media platform X.
Local emergency officials reported no immediate threats from fumes or other hazards following the explosion. Residents in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach felt their homes shake around 9 p.m. and took to social media to express their surprise and concern. The launch site, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 36, is visible from the beach, leading to a rapid sharing of images depicting the fiery explosion.
The New Glenn rocket was previously grounded in April after an earlier flight resulted in a satellite being placed in the incorrect orbit due to engine failure. This incident marked only the third test flight of the rocket, which Blue Origin aims to use for launching lunar landers for NASA.
Blue Origin’s statement regarding the incident mentioned, “We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test. We will provide updates as we learn more.” The New Glenn rocket is named in honor of John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and is expected to make its official debut in 2025 from Cape Canaveral.