Jeff Bezos’ space company announced Tuesday that essential fuel storage systems and other vital launch infrastructure survived last week’s devastating rocket explosion at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The massive New Glenn rocket, which plays a crucial role in NASA’s Artemis moon program, exploded during an engine test, destroying a lightning tower and the transporter-erector system used for moving and positioning the rocket. The explosion created shock waves that were felt throughout the state.
CEO Dave Limp reported that the methane, hydrogen and oxygen storage tanks appear undamaged. The water storage tank also survived intact, and the remaining support tower can be fixed without replacement. A booster and additional rocket components stored in the vicinity escaped damage.
Limp characterized the situation as “a bit of good news” in a post on X, stating: “We will fly again before the end of this year.”
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the explosion.
The incident occurred just two days after NASA granted Blue Origin a multi-hundred-million-dollar contract, selecting New Glenn rockets to deliver two rovers to the moon before the first Artemis crew members arrive to operate them. The New Glenn system is also essential for launching the company’s Blue Moon lander, which will transport astronauts to the lunar surface in future missions.
NASA plans to achieve the first crewed moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972 as early as 2028.
Administrator Jared Isaacman posted on X that the space agency will “do all we can” to restore launch pad operations quickly “while staying extremely focused on progressing the lander.”
Blue Origin’s New Glenn series of reusable rockets — honoring John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth — has completed only three launches. The system is smaller than SpaceX’s Starship, which conducts test missions to the edge of space from Texas. NASA has contracted both Starships and Blue Moon landers to transport Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface in upcoming years.
