Catastrophic Explosion Halts New Glenn Program
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket experienced a catastrophic explosion on Thursday night, May 28, 2026, during a static fire test at Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The powerful explosion, which occurred around 9 p.m. EDT, sent a massive fireball and billowing clouds of smoke into the night sky, visible for miles around. The rocket was fully fueled with methane and liquid oxygen for the test firing of its seven BE-4 first-stage engines when the anomaly occurred.
The incident resulted in the complete destruction of the 188-foot-tall first stage and the 86-foot-tall upper stage of the rocket. Furthermore, the explosion severely damaged the launchpad, including the erector-gantry used to move and raise the rocket, and one of two tall lightning towers was no longer visible. Blue Origin confirmed that all personnel were accounted for and safe, with no injuries or fatalities reported. Company founder Jeff Bezos acknowledged the "very rough day" but affirmed their commitment to rebuild and continue flying.