Blue Origin rocket explodes during Florida test
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a ground test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, raising concerns about the company's future plans. The explosion occurred during a hotfire test, resulting in a massive fireball that destroyed the vehicle and the launchpad. Fortunately, all personnel were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
- ▪The explosion happened during a hotfire test at Launch Complex 36.
- ▪Blue Origin confirmed that all personnel were safe and accounted for after the incident.
- ▪The rocket was preparing to launch satellites for the Amazon Leo broadband constellation.
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Blue Origin rocket explodes during Florida test Rob Beschizza 8:19 pm Thu May 28, 2026 Screenshot from Space Coast Live Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded Thursday evening during a ground test ahead of a forthcoming launch, destroying the vehicle and raising new questions about the company's timeline for supporting NASA's Artemis program. Video footage shows fire engulf the rocket, on the launchpad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 36, at about 9 p.m. It explodes moments later, producing a massive fireball that appears to completely obliterate the pad and everything on it. The blast shook homes in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, and residents turned to social media as the orange fireball lit up the coast — Launch Complex 36 is visible from the beach.
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