Blue Origin’s New Glenn mega-rocket exploded during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral, Florida, in a major setback for Jeff Bezos’ space company.

The test was being carried out ahead of the rocket’s expected fourth launch, which was planned to carry Amazon Leo internet satellites into orbit.

The explosion happened during an engine-firing test, when the rocket was likely loaded with fuel. Blue Origin later confirmed that an “anomaly” had occurred and said all personnel had been accounted for. Jeff Bezos also said everyone was safe and added that the company would investigate the cause, rebuild what needs to be rebuilt, and return to flight.

The incident is now one of the biggest failures in Blue Origin’s history and could delay the New Glenn program for a long period. The company had been preparing for multiple New Glenn launches this year as it tries to compete more closely with Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the heavy-lift rocket market.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was aware of the explosion and confirmed there was no impact on air traffic. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency would support a full investigation and review any possible effects on future missions, including Artemis and Moon Base plans.

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New Glenn is also expected to play a role in NASA’s lunar ambitions and future national security launches for the Pentagon. Because of that, the failure could have wider consequences beyond Blue Origin’s commercial satellite plans.

Elon Musk responded to the incident on X, writing that it was “most unfortunate” and adding, “Rockets are hard.” He also said he hoped Blue Origin would recover quickly.


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Reuters, AP, and The Guardian also reported that no injuries were confirmed after the explosion.

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