CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An explosive malfunction during a rocket engine test Thursday evening sent shockwaves through surrounding neighborhoods and illuminated the Florida sky with an orange glow.
The incident involved Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin and its New Glenn rocket during what the company described as a hotfire test. Blue Origin confirmed through social media that all personnel were safely accounted for following the blast.
Local emergency authorities have stated there are no dangers from toxic vapors or other safety concerns stemming from the explosion.
This setback comes after the enormous New Glenn vehicle was previously sidelined in April when it failed to deliver a satellite to its intended orbital path due to propulsion system problems. The rocket has only completed three missions and represents Blue Origin’s vehicle of choice for delivering lunar landing craft for NASA.
The blast occurred around 9 p.m., causing structures in neighboring Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach to vibrate. Local residents quickly took to social platforms to share their experiences and seek answers about the disturbance. The launch facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 36 can be seen from coastal areas, and images of the fiery explosion rapidly spread online.
“We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test,” Blue Origin stated in their official response. “We will provide updates as we learn more.”
The New Glenn vehicle first launched in 2025 from Cape Canaveral and bears the name of John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth.
