DistantNews
Support us
🇦🇺 Australia /Technology

Breaking: Blue Origin rocket explodes on launch pad during test

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad during a test.
  • The incident occurred during a hot-fire test, causing a large fireball.
  • Jeff Bezos stated the company would rebuild and resume flying.

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad during a test on Thursday, marking a setback for Jeff Bezos's space venture as it aims to compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX. Footage shared online showed the New Glenn igniting on the launch pad before erupting into a massive fireball that billowed skyward, sending a towering plume of flames and smoke into the air.

Blue Origin confirmed the incident, stating they experienced an "anomaly" during the hot-fire test. This term is commonly used by rocket companies to describe a launch failure or explosion. The company assured that all personnel were accounted for and promised to provide updates as they learn more.

We experienced an anomaly during today's hot-fire test. All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more.

— Blue OriginThe company's statement on X following the rocket explosion.

A hot-fire test involves firing a rocket engine while it is secured to the ground. In a separate post on X, Mr. Bezos acknowledged it was "too early to know the root cause" of the incident. He expressed determination, stating, "Very rough day, but we'll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It's worth it."

Very rough day, but we'll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It's worth it.

— Jeff BezosMr. Bezos's comment on X after the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog