Blue Origin rocket explodes during test, setback for bid to catch SpaceX
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a test on the launchpad, marking a significant setback for the company. The incident occurred as Blue Origin was preparing to launch satellites for a broadband constellation. Jeff Bezos acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but expressed determination to rebuild and continue their efforts.
- ▪The explosion happened during a hot-fire test on May 28, 2026.
- ▪Blue Origin described the incident as an 'anomaly' and confirmed all personnel were safe.
- ▪The New Glenn rocket is part of Blue Origin's plans to compete with SpaceX's Starlink network.
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Blue Origin rocket explodes during test, setback for bid to catch SpaceXSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: An aerial view shows the Blue Origin manufacturing facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., April 6, 2026. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File PhotoPublished May 29, 2026, 10:49 AMUpdated May 29, 2026, 10:49 AMMay 28 - A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket dramatically exploded on the launchpad during a test on Thursday, in a setback for Jeff Bezos’ space venture as it seeks to narrow the gap with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.Video posted by NASASpaceflight, a YouTube channel that livestreams launches from Florida, showed the New Glenn igniting on the pad at about 2100 ET (0200 GMT on Friday) before erupting into a massive fireball that…
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