Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explodes during launchpad test in Florida
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin New Glenn mega-rocket exploded during a "static fire" test in Cape Canaveral, Florida, potentially impacting its future launches and role in NASA's Artemis program.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 09:30 | 29 May 2026
A mega-rocket developed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' space company Blue Origin exploded Thursday during testing at a launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The company was carrying out a "static fire" test of its New Glenn rocket ahead of what was expected to be the vehicle's fourth launch in the coming weeks.
Video from a live stream operated by NASASpaceFlight.com appeared to show a huge explosion at the launchpad during the test.
It is not yet clear whether anyone was injured. Rocket companies normally clear launch sites before major tests are conducted.
Blue Origin had reportedly hoped to launch the heavy-lift rocket as many as 12 times this year.
The New Glenn rocket is also expected to play a role in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon.
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