
CAPE CANAVERAL : Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded
while on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, US media reported Thursday,
reports BSS.
“We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test,”
the company said in a brief statement posted to X, adding that “all personnel
have been accounted for.”
Video from the incident shows smoke emerging from beneath
the rocket before it fully combusts into a massive fireball.
Florida congressman Mike Haridopolos, whose district
includes Cape Canaveral, said in a statement on X that he has been in contact
with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman regarding the explosion.
“I am grateful there were no reported injuries and
thankful for the first responders, engineers, and launch crews who acted
quickly,” Haridopolos said.
The explosion is the latest setback for the space
exploration company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Last month its New Glenn rocket failed a mission to deliver a communications satellite into the correct orbit, prompting an investigation.