Sources confirm that Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral early this morning. The blast, which occurred at 2:47 AM local time, sent debris across the launch complex and triggered an emergency response. No injuries have been reported, but the incident throws a wrench into NASA's lunar ambitions.
The space agency had been counting on Blue Origin's BE-4 engine to power its Blue Moon lander for the Artemis program. A NASA official familiar with the matter told me the agency is “reassessing timelines.” The explosion is the latest in a string of setbacks for Jeff Bezos's space venture, which has missed deadlines and burned through billions.
Uncovered documents show Blue Origin had flagged “critical vibration issues” in the engine months ago. Congress will demand answers. The question now is whether NASA can afford another delay.
The moon is looking further away than ever.
