Blue Origin rocket exploded on launchpad, throwing the future of NASA’s Artemis program into question

NASA has several contracts with Blue Origin as part of its Artemis program – this setback for the company could delay the program.

By: Wendy Whitman Cobb, Air University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 29, 2026

Words: 1,071

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Wendy Whitman Cobb, Air University

During an evening test fire on May 28, 2026, a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded, engulfing the launchpad in a massive fireball. The spectacular fire, caught on video, not only destroyed the rocket but also appears to have significantly damaged Blue Origin’s only launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Though it is too early to know the cause …

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