Blue Origin rocket explodes in Florida due to malfunction
US Local media outlets reported on Friday that a rocket belonging to Blue Origin aerospace company exploded during a test at a launch pad in the US state of Florida.
CNN reported that the rocket, named “New Glenn,” suffered a malfunction during a ground test known as a “hot fire test” on Thursday evening.
CNN quoted the Federal Aviation Administration as saying in a press statement that it was aware that Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket experienced a malfunction at around 9:00 p.m. local time during a static fire test at the launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The administration noted that the test was not within the scope of activities licensed by the agency and had no impact on air traffic.
Meanwhile, Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos said in a post on social media platform X that “all personnel are safe and accounted for,” adding that it was still too early to determine the root cause of the incident, but efforts were already underway to investigate it.
Earlier this week, Blue Origin announced plans to return the New Glenn rocket to service following a malfunction during its third flight on April 19, which prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. – Kuna
