Blue Origin’s New Glenn Mission Set Back After Sudden Explosion Ahead of Launch | WPN World People News

U.S. space company Blue Origin experienced a dramatic explosion during a ground engine test of its New Glenn rocket on the evening of May 29 Eastern Time at Cape Canaveral. Massive flames and thick black smoke erupted from the launch site. Fortunately, all personnel had already been evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.

According to the live broadcast footage, the rocket encountered an issue shortly after its engines ignited during a hot-fire test on the launch pad. In a statement posted on X, Blue Origin said the test experienced what was classified as an “anomaly,” and an investigation into the incident is now underway.

The accident occurred at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Local emergency officials stated that the incident posed no threat to nearby residents or public safety. The Federal Aviation Administration also clarified that the static fire test was not part of an FAA-licensed launch operation and therefore did not affect airspace activities.

Founded by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin has spent years developing the New Glenn heavy-lift rocket, aiming to compete with SpaceX and its Falcon 9 and Starship programs.

Jared Isaacman, Administrator of NASA, stated that spaceflight is highly challenging, and relevant agencies will work together to determine the cause of the accident and assess its impact on future missions.