Blue Origin Rocket Explodes During Launch Pad Test
By Wellington Jopelo
A major setback has hit Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, after one of its New Glenn rockets exploded during a launch pad test in Florida ahead of a planned mission.
The explosion reportedly happened during a “hot fire” engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday night, sending a massive fireball and thick smoke into the sky.
Witnesses around the area said the blast was powerful enough to shake nearby homes while videos circulating online captured the moment flames engulfed the launch pad.
Blue Origin later described the incident as an “anomaly” and confirmed that no injuries were recorded during the explosion.
The destroyed rocket was reportedly being prepared for a future satellite mission linked to Amazon’s internet project before the test failure occurred.
The incident marks another challenge for the aerospace company as it continues trying to compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the commercial space industry.
Reports indicated that parts of the launch infrastructure also suffered heavy damage following the explosion, including structures around the testing area.
Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos reportedly assured that investigations would be carried out to determine the exact cause of the explosion while efforts to rebuild would continue.
The New Glenn rocket is considered one of Blue Origin’s biggest projects and is expected to play a major role in future satellite launches and planned moon missions.
US space authorities and investigators are now expected to review the incident as questions grow over how the setback could affect upcoming missions linked to the company.