Blue Origin's New Glenn hotfire test accident shakes Cape Canaveral launch pad

New Glenn Hotfire Test Ends In Explosion

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine-firing test at Cape Canaveral on Thursday night, causing a bright orange fireball near Launch Complex 36. The blast was felt by residents in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach around 9 pm, with many people turning to social media after their homes shook.

Jeff Bezos’ space company confirmed that an “anomaly” occurred during the hotfire test. Blue Origin said all personnel were accounted for after the incident. Emergency officials also said there was no threat from fumes or other possible hazards, bringing relief after the dramatic launch pad explosion.

Setback For Blue Origin Space Plans

The New Glenn rocket is a key part of Blue Origin’s future space missions. Named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, the rocket made its debut from Cape Canaveral in 2025. It is expected to support major commercial launches and NASA-linked lunar lander plans.

The latest Cape Canaveral rocket test incident is another setback for the New Glenn program. The rocket was already grounded in April after an engine failure left a satellite in the wrong orbit. Blue Origin said it will share more updates as it reviews what caused the Launch Complex 36 incident.