Cape Canaveral, Florida — Blue Origin’s massive New Glenn rocket detonated in a violent fireball during a static fire engine test Wednesday night at Launch Complex 36.
Dramatic video from a nearby restaurant captured the first-stage booster breaking apart moments after ignition, sending flames and debris skyward in a display that lit up the coast. The company called it an “anomaly” and confirmed no injuries, with all personnel accounted for.
The booster, lined up for the NG-4 mission to carry Amazon Kuiper satellites, was destroyed along with significant ground infrastructure. This marks a sharp blow to Blue Origin’s push into heavy-lift reusable rockets and will trigger a full FAA investigation, pad repairs, and likely months of delays.
Spaceflight remains a tough business where even careful testing carries real risks. Blue Origin says it is already investigating the cause and plans to move forward.
