TIMELINE: Blue Origin confirms anomaly after New Glenn rocket explodes during Cape Canaveral test

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket experienced an anomaly Thursday night during a hotfire test at Space Launch Complex 36, officials said.

UPDATE 11:16 PM

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman discussed the launch anomaly with Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket at Cape Canaveral, confirming the agency is monitoring the situation with its commercial partners.

“Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,” Isaacman said in a statement following the incident.

NASA stated it will support a full investigation into the anomaly to determine the cause and evaluate any potential effects on upcoming missions. Officials are also reviewing whether the setback could impact the Artemis lunar exploration campaign and future Moon Base development plans.

Despite the incident, NASA reiterated its dedication to ongoing launch activities and progress in America’s upcoming space exploration initiatives.

UPDATE 10:44 PM

The U.S. Space Force reported that a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket encountered an anomaly around 9 p.m. during a hotfire test at Space Launch Complex 36. Emergency teams responded promptly, and officials confirmed everyone was safe, with no injuries or fatalities.

Space Force officials, in collaboration with Blue Origin and other partners, are analyzing data to identify the cause of the incident. Additional details are anticipated to be shared as the investigation progresses.

Despite the anomaly, the Eastern Range continues to operate at full mission capability and supports activities at other launch sites. Space Launch Delta 45 emphasizes its ongoing commitment to personnel safety, infrastructure protection, and ensuring reliable space access for national security missions.

UPDATE 10:41 PM

NASA said it is aware of the anomaly involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral. The agency said it will work with partners to investigate the incident, assess impacts on upcoming missions, and resume launches.

NASA added that updates on any effects to the Artemis and Moon Base programs will be shared as more information becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY

The Federal Aviation Administration said the New Glenn vehicle experienced the anomaly during a static fire test on the pad around 9 p.m. The FAA said the test was not within the scope of FAA-licensed activities and there was no impact to air traffic.

Blue Origin said all personnel have been accounted for.

“We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test. All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more,” Blue Origin said in a post on X.

Space Launch Delta 45 said emergency responders are on the scene. Officials said all personnel have been accounted for and there were no injuries or fatalities.

Range officials, Blue Origin and other partners are evaluating available data to determine the exact cause of the anomaly, Space Launch Delta 45 said.

Officials said the Eastern Range remains fully mission capable and continues to support operations at all other launch complexes.

Channel 9 has crews headed to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and is working to gather additional details.

Spaceflight Now posted video showing an explosion at Launch Complex 36. The outlet said it happened about 9 p.m. as Blue Origin was beginning a static fire test of New Glenn.

New Glenn is Blue Origin’s heavy-lift rocket. The vehicle launches from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

A hotfire, also known as a static fire test, is when a rocket’s engines are briefly fired while the vehicle remains secured to the launch pad. The test is often used to evaluate the rocket and ground systems before launch.

Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos took to X to announce they plan to rebuild.

“It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it,” Bezos said in a post on X. “Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying.”

Channel 9 will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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