Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Pre-Launch Engine Test
Blast during late-night hotfire test shakes nearby Florida communities; no injuries or public danger reported
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 29: A Blue Origin rocket erupted in flames during a late-night engine test at a launch facility in Florida, sending shockwaves across nearby coastal communities and lighting up the night sky with a massive orange glow.
The incident occurred Thursday evening at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral during a hotfire test involving the company’s New Glenn launch vehicle. Residents in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach reported hearing loud blasts and feeling vibrations strong enough to rattle homes shortly after 9 p.m.
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, confirmed the mishap in a statement posted on X, saying an “anomaly” took place during the scheduled engine-firing operation. The company said all personnel were safe and accounted for.
Emergency authorities said there was no immediate threat to the public from smoke, debris or hazardous materials following the explosion.
Videos and images shared online showed a large fireball rising from the launch site, drawing widespread attention on social media as people sought information about the cause of the blast.
The New Glenn rocket programme has faced technical setbacks in recent months. The heavy-lift launcher was grounded in April after a mission failed to place a satellite into its intended orbit because of engine-related problems.
Named after astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, the rocket is expected to play a key role in future commercial launches and NASA lunar missions.
