“It’s a very difficult day.” Blue Origin rocket explodes on launch pad

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad Thursday during an ignition test at Cape Canaveral, Florida. However, it is still unknown what happened.

“It’s too early to know the root of the problem, but we are working to find it,” said the company’s founder Jeff Bezoson the social network X.

This was one of New Glenn’s last tests before takeoff, scheduled for next week, which would place 48 Amazon Leo internet satellites into orbit.

According to , Blue Origin is involved in the program ArtemisNASA’s main project, which aims to initiate a new space era: the return of human beings to the Moon and establish a base on Earth’s natural satellite for future space missions, namely the trip to Mars.

In the contract with Blue Origin, worth 160 million eurosbut which could reach 250 million, Jeff Bezos’ company was chosen to place the new rovers on the lunar surface, in addition to transporting other scientific equipment and instruments. Yesterday’s explosion, which caused no casualties, could jeopardize this partnership.

“I am relieved that no injuries were reported and I thank the first responders, engineers and launch teams who acted quickly,” wrote the Florida congressman, Mike Haridopolos.

Here’s our video of the explosion at Launch Complex 36. It happened about 9 pm ET (0100 UTC) as Blue Origin was beginning a static fire test of its New Glenn rocket.

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— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow)

This incident comes shortly after the company announced plans to return New Glenn to flights, following a failure on the third flight in April.