A Massive Explosion Disintegrates Launchpad in Florida

Published: Friday, May 29, 2026

by Elijah Weintraub

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A Blue Origin rocket exploded Thursday, May 29, moments before an engine test at Cape Canaveral, creating a brief fireball that lit up the night sky.

The New Glenn rocket experienced an anomaly during the engine test ahead of its satellite launch planned for next week. Blue Origin says “all personnel were safe and accounted for, and no one was onboard the rocket.”

CEO Jeff Bezos said on X, that “It’s too early to know the root cause, but we’re already working to find it. It's a very rough day, but we’ll rebuild.”

In addition to losing the rocket, there was significant damage to launch complex 36, the surrounding buildings near the launch pad, and the lightning tower.

Air travel was not affected because the rocket did not leave the restricted area.

This is a major setback for Blue Origin, as just days ago, they signed a new contract to work with NASA and its Artemis missions to the moon. 

For more information on the topic, contact Elijah Weintraub at elijah.weintraub@student.shu.edu 

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