Blue Origin Rocket Engulfed in Massive Kennedy Space Center Explosion

A rocket from the Blue Origin space tech firm exploded on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center on Thursday. According to an update from Blue Origin, the rocket was performing a hotfire test when the explosion occurred. Fortunately, no injuries are believed to have happened as a result of the incident. “All personnel are accounted for and safe,” said billionaire Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin’s founder. “It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it. Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.” The rocket in question was a 322-foot craft in Blue Origin’s New Glenn line. The booster, named “No, It’s Necessary” by the company in reference to the 2014 space sci-fi film Interstellar, was attempting to conduct a static fire test. At almost exactly 9:00 p.m. local time, a fireball emerged around the launch pad surface before quickly growing massively larger than the rocket itself. The explosion was reportedly visible many miles away. New Glenn’s first stage was fueled with methane, which is highly flammable. Blue Origin has warned that debris may wash onto the shore near Kennedy Space Center, and that anyone who discovers it should refrain from touching or approaching it. Launch Complex 36 (LC-36), the launch pad where the explosion occurred, was reportedly severely damaged in the blast. According to Ars Technica, much of the critical launch infrastructure at the pad is potentially damaged beyond repair. The explosion is being called the worst in Blue Origin’s 26-year existence and the largest rocket explosion since the USSR’s N1 rocket suffered a similar fate in 1969. “I’ve already spoken with Jared Isaacman regarding the explosion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket tonight at Cape Canaveral’s Space Force Station,” said Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who represents Cape Canaveral in Congress. “I am grateful there were no reported injuries and thankful for the first responders, engineers, and launch crews who acted quickly. Praying for Florida’s Space Coast and everyone involved.”