Photo: Shutterstock A Blue Origin rocket suffered an explosion during a hotfire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, according to statements released by the company and public officials late Thursday.
Blue Origin confirmed the incident in a short statement posted on social media, saying: “We experienced an anomaly during today's hotfire test. All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more.”
The company did not immediately confirm the extent of the damage or what may have caused the explosion.
Brevard County Emergency Management Office also acknowledged the "anomaly" that "occurred this evening during a static fire test for Blue Origin", reassuring "there is no threat to the general public."
Congressman Mike Haridopolos said he had already spoken with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman "regarding the explosion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket tonight at Cape Canaveral’s Space Force Station".
“I am grateful there were no reported injuries and thankful for the first responders, engineers, and launch crews who acted quickly,” Haridopolos wrote. “Praying for Florida’s Space Coast and everyone involved.”
Jeff Bezos also addressed the explosion, confirming that all personnel were safe.
Blue Origin. Photo: The Bold Bureau / Shutterstock.com“All personnel are accounted for and safe,” Bezos wrote. “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 incident reportedly involved Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket during testing operations at Cape Canaveral.