NASA’s effort to establish a lunar outpost and send astronauts back to the moon within two years faces delays after a New Glenn rocket built by Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin exploded during a ground test in Florida. The blast created a large fireball that destroyed the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center moments after the hotfire test began at 9pm ET, with the glow visible from Fort Pierce more than 100 miles away. Bezos stated that all staff were safe and unharmed but called it a difficult day. Earlier this week NASA awarded Blue Origin a contract to carry out the first of three missions aimed at starting work on its multibillion-dollar moon base. The firm is also competing against SpaceX to supply a lander for the Artemis IV flight set for 2028. NASA’s administrator said a review of schedules would follow the incident, described by the company as an anomaly. Officials noted that developing heavy-lift rockets remains highly challenging and pledged to investigate fully while supporting continued launches. Bezos indicated the team was already examining the cause and would rebuild as needed. The explosion’s effects were felt along Florida’s space coast, with residents farther north reporting a bright sky. Video from an aerospace outlet showed the fiery plume, and nearby communities reported shaking homes. Emergency services confirmed no danger from emissions. Blue Origin has faced repeated issues while pursuing NASA’s Artemis contracts. A recent payload reached an incorrect orbit, leading to a temporary grounding. The latest test marked the first static fire since clearance to resume flights. The FAA has not yet commented on whether a new review will occur. Both Blue Origin and SpaceX operate facilities near the Cape Canaveral area to support joint NASA missions. Artemis III, planned for 2027, will evaluate landers from each company. The company has also conducted space tourism flights, including one last year carrying an all-female crew.
