The most spectacular rocket explosion since N1 just happened in Florida
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket experienced a catastrophic explosion during a static fire test in Florida. The incident, which resulted in extensive damage to the launch site, is considered the worst disaster in the company's history. No injuries were reported, but the failure has significant implications for NASA's lunar missions.
- ▪The New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- ▪The explosion is the most dramatic rocket failure since the Soviet Union's N1 rocket in 1969.
- ▪Blue Origin's founder Jeff Bezos stated that they are working to determine the root cause of the failure.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
This is very, very bad The most spectacular rocket explosion since N1 just happened in Florida New Glenn was due to play a starring role in NASA’s Artemis Program. Eric Berger – May 28, 2026 10:21 pm | 89 Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Credit: Blue Origin Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Credit: Blue Origin Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav On Thursday evening Blue Origin attempted to test fire its massive New Glenn rocket at its Florida launch site, but something went very wrong after engine ignition.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ars Technica.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Ars Technica
