Blue Origin rocket explodes during ground test in Florida

Blue Origin said its New Glenn rocket exploded during a pre-launch ground test at a launch facility in Florida, in a setback for the company’s heavy-lift space programme and planned satellite deployment missions. According to a report published Friday by The Washington Post, the rocket was being prepared for a future mission to place dozens of satellites into low-Earth orbit when the explosion occurred on the launch pad. The company said the incident happened during a routine pre-flight test and described it as an “anomaly.” Blue Origin added that all personnel were safe and no injuries were reported following the explosion. Reports said the New Glenn rocket had been scheduled to carry 48 satellites for Amazon as part of the company’s efforts to expand its satellite internet network in low-Earth orbit. The incident marks another challenge for Blue Origin as the company seeks to compete with rivals including SpaceX in the commercial launch market and future lunar missions. Founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin has invested heavily in reusable rocket systems and deep-space exploration projects aimed at supporting long-term human presence beyond Earth. Earlier this month, NASA awarded Blue Origin a contract worth 188 million dollars to deliver lunar rovers and cargo systems for upcoming moon missions under the Artemis programme. Blue Origin is also among the major private companies supporting NASA’s Artemis III mission, currently planned for 2027, which aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than five decades. The post Blue Origin rocket explodes during ground test in Florida appeared first on Khaama Press.