BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket appears to have exploded Thursday night during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Here is the latest.
Live updates on Blue Origin rocket explosion
Developing Updates:
Blue Origin confirmed in a post on X that it “experienced an anomaly “during Thursday night’s “hotfire test.”
Blue Origin rocket explodes during test: What happened?
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket appears to have exploded Thursday night during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Zac Aubert, a space expert, talks with FOX 35 about what potentially happened and what happens in the minutes, hours, and days after Thursday’s test and explosion.
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explodes during testing on Thursday, May 28, 32026.
It said all personnel have been accounted for and that it would provide updates as teams learned more.
NASA monitoring impacts
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is working with Blue Origin and other partners following an explosion involving a New Glenn rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
In a statement, Isaacman said NASA is aware of the anomaly that occurred at Launch Complex 36 and will support a full investigation into the incident.
“Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,” Isaacman said. “We will work with our partners to support a thorough investigation of this anomaly, assess near-term mission impacts, and get back to launching rockets.”
Isaacman said NASA is evaluating any potential effects the incident could have on upcoming missions and long-term exploration goals.
The agency said it will provide updates on any impacts to the Artemis program and Moon Base initiatives as more information becomes available.
The explosion occurred during a static fire test of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket ahead of a planned launch. Blue Origin said all personnel were accounted for and safe, and local officials reported no injuries or threat to the public. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Statement from Jeff Bezos
Blue Origin’s owner, Jeff Bezos, said all personnel have been accounted for and are safe following the explosion of a New Glenn rocket during a static fire test at Kennedy Space Center.
In a statement, the company said it is too early to determine the cause of the incident but that an investigation is already underway.
“All personnel are accounted for and safe,” Bezos posted on X. “It’s too early to know the root cause, but we’re already working to find it.”
The company acknowledged the setback but said it remains committed to the program.
“Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying,” the statement said. “It’s worth it.”
Congressman Haridopolos responds
U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos said he has spoken with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman following the explosion of a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket during testing at Kennedy Space Center.
“I’ve already spoken with @NASAAdmin [NASA Administrator] Jared Isaacman regarding the explosion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket tonight at Kennedy Space Center,” Haridopolos said. “I am grateful there were no reported injuries and thankful for the first responders, engineers, and launch crews who acted quickly.”
City of Cape Canaveral statement
“The City’s Emergency Operations Team (EOT) is closely monitoring an incident that has occurred at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at Launch Complex 36, involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. An explosion occurred on the pad. Staff is in active contact with Canaveral Fire Rescue. According to Blue Origin, all personnel have been accounted for. More information will be relayed via the City’s social media channels as it becomes available.”
Brevard County sheriff: ‘Ready to assist’
In a statement sent to FOX 35 News, emergency management and fire rescue officials said that the current plan is to allow the contained fire caused by the explosion to burn itself out.
“Our agency, as well as the Brevard County Emergency Management and Brevard County Fire Rescue, are monitoring the incident and stand ready to assist should the need arise,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.
Brevard County Emergency Management: No threat to the public
What they’re saying:
In a post on X, the Brevard County Emergency Management Office said there was no threat to the public as a result of the rocket explosion.
What we don’t know:
The cause of the explosion was not immediately known. Authorities said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The Source: The information is from Blue Origina and the Brevard County Emergency Management Office. Both posted about the explosion on X.