Blue Origin Rocket Explodes During Test at Cape Canaveral
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on the launchpad during a static fire test on Thursday night. No injuries were reported and officials said there is no public safety threat.
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded in a fireball during a static fire test at Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday night. m. ET. Video posted by Spaceflight Now showed flames and thick smoke rising from the launchpad.
Post by @SkyNews on X
Launch site officials posted on Facebook that emergency responders were on scene and confirmed no injuries or fatalities. Blue Origin stated on X that all personnel had been accounted for. >"We experienced an anomaly during today's hotfire test. " — Blue Origin, May 29, 2026 (X) Blue Origin later warned on X that debris may wash ashore in coming days and weeks and urged people not to touch or approach any debris.
The rocket was intended to carry 48 satellites for Amazon's Leo internet service, though none were aboard during the test. Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos posted on X that it was too early to determine the root cause. >"Very rough day, but we'll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying.
" — Jeff Bezos, May 29, 2026 (X) New Glenn completed its first flight in January 2025. Its third mission in April placed a satellite into a lower-than-planned orbit, prompting an FAA investigation that closed last week. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is aware of the anomaly and will work with partners on an investigation and assess mission impacts.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- May 29, 2026 — 9:00 PM ET
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during static fire test at Cape Canaveral.
3 sourcesSkyNews · The New York Times · Business Insider - May 29, 2026 — 9:05 PM ET
Blue Origin posted statement confirming all personnel accounted for.
2 sourcesBusiness Insider · The New York Times - May 29, 2026 — 10:00 PM ET
Launch site officials confirmed no injuries and emergency response on scene.
2 sourcesBusiness Insider · SkyNews - May 30, 2026 — Morning
Blue Origin warned about possible debris washing ashore and provided contact numbers.
2 sourcesBusiness Insider · The New York Times
Potential Impact
- 01
Blue Origin will conduct an internal investigation into the test failure.
- 02
Debris recovery operations may continue along Florida coast for weeks.
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