Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explodes during Florida test, company calls it anomaly
The Story
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a test in Florida on Thursday, an incident the company called an “anomaly.” The explosion produced a fiery plume captured on livestream and shook homes in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach around 9pm. Emergency officials confirmed there was no threat from fumes and that all personnel were accounted for.
Key Facts
- The explosion occurred at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 36.
- Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, stated on social media: “All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more.”
- The New Glenn rocket was grounded in April after the Federal Aviation Administration required an investigation into an engine mishap.
- The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Thursday’s explosion will trigger another investigation.
- Earlier this week, NASA announced it had chosen Blue Origin over SpaceX for the first of three uncrewed lunar missions to kickstart construction of a $20bn moon base.
- SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented on X: “Most unfortunate. Rockets are hard.”
- Last April, Blue Orbit sent an all-female, star-studded crew into space, including Gayle King and Katy Perry.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
Whether the FAA will launch an investigation into the explosion. The cause of the explosion is also not specified.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Jeff Bezos (owner of Blue Origin)
- Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX)
- Gayle King (broadcast journalist)
- Katy Perry (singer)
Sources: The Guardian
