A month after the New Glenn rocket exploded on its launch pad in Florida, the implications are still being assessed. The explosion destroyed its only launch pad, raising doubts about Blue Origin's timeline for returning the rocket to flight this year. The failure also raises questions for NASA's Artemis program and commercial customers.
Blue Origin is downplaying a recent launchpad explosion that destroyed its New Glenn rocket, with CEO Dave Limp stating they "will fly again before the end of this year." NASA, a key partner, is providing significant support for the investigation and pad cleanup, emphasizing the importance of Blue Origin's lunar lander for the Artemis program. Experts suggest the recovery timeline depends on identifying the cause of the anomaly.
A May 28 explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, visible from kilometers away, has raised questions about methane fuel safety. While the exact cause is unknown, the incident highlights methane's reactivity with oxygen and the challenges of its use as rocket fuel, despite its advantages over liquid hydrogen.
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a hot-fire test at Cape Canaveral, causing significant damage and raising concerns for Amazon's satellite internet rollout. No injuries were reported, and Amazon confirmed its satellites were safe and not on board.
SpaceX veterans recall the 2016 Falcon 9 rocket explosion as Blue Origin faces a similar challenge with its New Glenn rocket. Experts doubt Blue Origin's timeline for returning to flight, emphasizing the complex infrastructure rebuild required.
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp announced the company aims to launch its New Glenn rocket again before the end of 2026, despite a recent spectacular explosion. The launch site LC-36A sustained damage, but key infrastructure remains intact. A realistic rebuild timeline is estimated at 12-18 months.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman estimates that repairs to the Cape Canaveral launch pad following the New Glenn rocket explosion will take approximately two years, with completion expected by 2028. The extensive infrastructure restoration will require significant time.
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a test in Cape Canaveral, Florida, damaging the launchpad and potentially delaying NASA's Artemis program and other missions. Recovery is estimated to take "some serious time," possibly until 2028, impacting Blue Origin's ability to compete with SpaceX.
