The explosion occurred during a test of hotfire engines. Blue Origin, owned by Amazon owner Jeff Bezos, announced on the X platform that its rocket had suffered a malfunction. All employees are safe.
Footage that appeared on social media shows a sudden and strong explosion. The flames quickly engulfed the machine. USA Today and The Washington Post describe the subsequent yellow cloud hovering over the site as a scene resembling an apocalyptic landscape.
“USA Today” emphasizes that the incident occurred at a difficult time for Amazon. The company needs further launches to develop its satellite network. The New Glenn rocket was being prepared for an upcoming mission to place 48 Amazon Leo broadband satellites into low Earth orbit. This is a key event for building an internet constellation competitive to Starlink.
According to CBS News, the rocket was supposed to be ready for refueling the same evening before the planned engine test. The launch of the fourth New Glenn mission was planned for June 4.
CNN reminds that Blue Origin has only just announced its return to flights after the failed mission on April 19. The vehicle's second stage then failed to deliver the AST SpaceMobile satellite into the correct orbit.
NASA will support the investigation following the explosion
NASA head Jared Isaacman wrote on the X platform that space flights do not forgive mistakes. He added that developing the ability to carry heavy loads is extremely difficult. He assured that NASA will support a full investigation and assess the impact on upcoming missions. The Agency will provide information on possible consequences for the Artemis and Moon Base programs.
The Washington Post reminds that the New Glenn explosion was the second serious missile incident in recent days. Previously, a SpaceX Starship prototype caught fire upon landing during a test.
