Blue Origin Investigates Rocket Explosion at Launch Complex
Blue Origin investigates massive rocket blast as debris warning issued
Image: Gulf News
Blue Origin is investigating a significant explosion of its New Glenn rocket during a test firing at Launch Complex 36 in Florida. The incident, which left the launch pad damaged, poses a setback for the company's plans to support NASA's Artemis program. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
- 01The New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test, damaging the launch pad and creating a large fireball visible for miles.
- 02This incident follows a previous grounding of the New Glenn fleet due to an upper-stage engine issue.
- 03Blue Origin's New Glenn is intended to launch lunar landers under NASA's Artemis program, with the first moonwalkers expected as early as 2028.
- 04No Amazon Leo satellites were aboard the rocket at the time of the explosion, which occurred just before another successful satellite launch by United Launch Alliance.
- 05NASA is assessing the impact of this explosion on the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon.
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Blue Origin is currently conducting an investigation following the explosion of its New Glenn rocket during a static fire test at Launch Complex 36 in Florida. The explosion occurred while the rocket was being prepared for a satellite launch, resulting in a massive fireball that could be seen and felt from miles away. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the launch pad sustained significant damage, with only one tower and a water tank remaining intact. This incident marks a major setback for Blue Origin, which had recently faced another issue that grounded the entire New Glenn fleet. The New Glenn rocket is crucial for Blue Origin's plans to support NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. NASA is now evaluating the potential impacts of this explosion on upcoming missions, including the planned launch of lunar landers. Meanwhile, other companies like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance continue their satellite launches as scheduled.
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The explosion at Launch Complex 36 has halted Blue Origin's upcoming lunar missions and affected local operations.
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