A rocket made by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin exploded on its launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, during a test on Thursday evening. All personnel have been accounted for.
Footage shows the rocket bursting into a massive ball of fire, engulfing the surrounding area. In a statement on social media, Blue Origin said it had “experienced an anomaly” during a test.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn just blew up at LC-36 while attempting to Static Fire ahead of NG-4.https://t.co/tANS0dWyIH pic.twitter.com/PztxFoBqIw
— NSF – NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) May 29, 2026
The space technology company was founded in 2000 by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Bezos wrote on social media that all personnel are accounted for and safe. “It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it,” he said. “Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”
The US Space Force said emergency responders are at the scene and officials are working with Blue Origin to evaluate available data to determine the exact cause of the anomaly.
Just last month, Blue Origin’s newest rocket was grounded after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered an investigation into a “mishap” involving the failed launch of a satellite.
The company attempted to place a satellite from AST SpaceMobile using its New Glenn rocket but was unable to get it as far into orbit as intended. The space company successfully launched a New Glenn rocket from Florida last November, landing its reusable booster for the first time.
Related: Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Launches New Glenn Mega-Rocket
