Blue Origin rocket explodes in test

• Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a test on Thursday
• The engine-firing test at Cape Canaveral caused nearby homes to shake
• Blue Origin is investigating the anomaly ahead of its 2025 debut

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A Blue Origin rocket exploded during a test at the launch pad Thursday night, shaking nearby homes and briefly painting the sky

orange. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin confirmed that its New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine-firing test, assuring that all personnel have been accounted for, as stated via X.

Emergency officials reported no threat from fumes or other potential hazards following the incident.

The massive New Glenn rocket had been grounded in April after it failed to place a satellite into the correct orbit due to engine issues. This marked only the third flight of the rocket, which Blue Origin plans to utilize for launching lunar landers for NASA.

Residents in nearby Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach felt their homes shake around 9 p.m., with many turning to social media to inquire about the event. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 36, visible from the beach, quickly became the focus of numerous social media posts featuring images of an orange fireball.

“We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test,” Blue Origin stated in a brief announcement. “We will provide updates as we learn more.”

The New Glenn rocket, named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, is anticipated to make its debut in 2025 from Cape Canaveral.