Blue Origin rocket explodes on launch pad during test in Florida

The company said the explosion occurred at about 9 p.m. Eastern Time and that there were no injuries from the incident.

Published: May 28, 2026 10:31pm

A Blue Origin rocket exploded in an "anomaly" Thursday night on a launch pad at Florida's Cape Canaveral ahead of a planned test firing of the rocket's engines.

Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its third New Glenn Rocket last month but the fourth launch resulted in the explosion, which comes as it prepares to launch its fourth mission as early as June 4, CBS News reported. 

The company said the explosion occurred at about 9 p.m. Eastern Time and that there were no injuries from the incident. 

"We experienced an anomaly during today's hotfire test," the company posted on X. "All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more."

Space Launch Delta 45 said it was on the scene of the incident and confirmed there were no injuries or fatalities. 

"Range officials, in coordination with Blue Origin and appropriate partners, are currently evaluating available data to determine the exact cause of the anomaly," the statement said. "The Eastern Range remains fully mission capable and continues to support operations at all other launch complexes."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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