Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, suffered a dramatic setback on Thursday night when its New Glenn rocket exploded into a massive fireball during a ground test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The incident, captured on video, occurred as the rocket was preparing for a satellite launch scheduled for next week. Blue Origin stated that the test was an engine firing exercise.
Footage shows the rocket engulfed in flames, sending thick smoke into the sky. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Bezos confirmed the safe evacuation of all personnel on X: "All personnel are accounted for and safe." He noted that the cause of the explosion is still under investigation but emphasized that his team is working diligently to determine what went wrong.
"It was a very rough day," Bezos wrote, "but we will rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying because it's worth it."
This isn't the first trouble for Blue Origin's New Glenn. Back in April, the rocket was grounded after an engine failure left a satellite in the wrong orbit. The space industry is watching closely as the company faces these challenges.
For a visual of the explosion, check the video below.