Setback for Bezos as Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes during Florida test

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a routine hotfire test at Cape Canaveral in Florida, causing a setback for Jeff Bezos’ space company. No injuries were reported, but the incident could delay upcoming missions and affect competition with SpaceX.

By Ashmit Mazumder

Cape Canaveral: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a routine engine-firing test at Cape Canaveral in Florida on Thursday night, dealing a setback to Jeff Bezos’ space venture as it seeks to compete with Elon Musk-led SpaceX.

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The uncrewed 321-foot rocket was undergoing a static fire, or “hotfire”, test at around 9 p.m. ET when it erupted into a massive fireball, lighting up the night sky and sending plumes of smoke into the air.

Videos shared by NASASpaceflight and other local media outlets captured the moment the rocket exploded on the launch pad during the test.

Residents in nearby Cocoa Beach reported feeling vibrations from the blast, with some saying the explosion shook their homes.

Blue Origin later confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as an “anomaly” during the hotfire test. The company said all personnel involved in the test were safe and accounted for.

Brevard County officials also confirmed that there was no threat to the public from debris or fumes following the explosion.

Reacting to the incident, Bezos posted on X: “Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also reacted to the incident on X, saying: “Most unfortunate. Rockets are hard.”

The rocket was being prepared for its next mission, which was expected to carry 48 Amazon Project Kuiper internet satellites. However, the satellites were not onboard during the test.

The explosion is expected to delay Blue Origin’s upcoming launch plans and could impact the company’s efforts to narrow the gap with SpaceX in the commercial space race.