Huge explosion during a test for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, no injuries reported
Just a few days ago, the FAA had authorized Blue Origin to resume launch operations of the reusable New Glenn rocket after the issue that occurred with the GS2 second stage during the NG-3 mission, which led to the destruction of the AST SpaceMobile BlueBird 7 satellite. Everything seemed to be going well, with two first stages (one already reused) ready for future missions and the announcement of the NG-4 launch, a mission dedicated to Amazon Leo.
Here's our video of the explosion at Launch Complex 36. It happened about 9 PM ET (0100 UTC) as Blue Origin was beginning a static fire test of its New Glenn rocket.
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Around 2:00 AM Italian time, however, a huge explosion destroyed Blue Origin's reusable New Glenn rocket (with the first stage called No It Is Necessary) during a test at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36A) of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This catastrophic problem occurred during a static fire test, when the engines ignited to test the hardware in preparation for the NG-4 mission.
New Glenn explosion as seen from my Ring doorbell during my pizza delivery!!
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@NASASpaceflight
Explosion of New Glenn viewed from a smart Ring doorbell
Heavy explosion for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. As specified by Blue Origin, no injuries or casualties have been reported despite the strong explosion of the New Glenn vehicle (which was assembled with the first and second stages). Jeff Bezos wrote, "All personnel have been accounted for and are safe. It's too early to know the root cause, but we are already working to determine it. A very tough day, but we will rebuild everything that needs to be rebuilt and we will fly again. It's worth it." Blue Origin also stated that no injuries have been reported and that the causes are still being clarified. Elon Musk wrote on X, "I'm sorry to see this, I hope you recover soon," but also, "very unfortunate, rockets are hard" and, in response to Bezos, "Ad astra per aspera."
According to some unofficial preliminary reports, in addition to the destruction of the first stage No It Is Necessary and the second stages (GS1 and GS2) of New Glenn, there could be damage that might impact Blue Origin’s operations for a significant period. Indeed, one of the lightning towers might have been compromised to such an extent that it is no longer repairable, and the structure used to transport and support the rocket may also be irreparable.
Initial estimates (which will be more precise once there is greater clarity) indicate the possibility that Blue Origin may not be able to launch New Glenn during 2026, delaying all missions to 2027. The company may choose to complete work on the second launch pad, LC-36B, while attempting to repair LC-36A, which was damaged by the explosion.
Blue Origin's New Glenn just blew up at LC-36 while attempting to Static Fire ahead of NG-4.
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This issue will affect not only commercial space missions such as those intended for satellite launches (Amazon Leo and others) but also the U.S. space program, considering that within a few months the Blue Moon MK1 lunar lander was supposed to be launched for the beginning of the construction phase of the permanent lunar base, and around mid-2027 the Artemis III mission was scheduled with the test of Blue Moon MK2, potentially leaving the only option as SpaceX's Starship HLS.