Blue Origin launch pad repairs could take 'serious time', NASA chief says - report

The launch pad for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket suffered extensive damage during a test firing last week, with repairs anticipated to be a lengthy process. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told CNBC that the damage would "take some serious time" to fix, suggesting a potential timeline of 2028.

The powerful rocket exploded in a massive fireball while secured to the launch tower during a routine static "hot-fire" test. This incident comes at a crucial moment for Blue Origin, the space venture of billionaire Jeff Bezos, as it aims to challenge the dominance of Elon Musk's SpaceX in the private space launch market.

“

Damage to a Blue Origin launch pad from the spectacular explosion of the company's giant New Glenn rocket during a test firing of its engines last week will "take some serious time" to repair.

Sources within the company and industry described the launch pad as "practically destroyed." Engineers estimate that repairs will disrupt operations for at least six months. The mishap occurred at a U.S. Space Force launch facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida. No injuries were reported, and the Amazon Leo satellites intended for a future launch were not yet integrated into the spacecraft.

The New Glenn rocket, named after astronaut John Glenn, is slated to play a key role in NASA's Artemis moon missions, including delivering lunar landers and cargo.

“

the launch pad "practically destroyed"