Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket explodes during static test in Florida

Blue Origin’s New Glenn ‘mega-rocket’ exploded during testing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Jeff Bezos’ space company was carrying out a static ‘hotfire test’ on the rocket when it suddenly burst into flames.

Footage from the NASASpaceflight livestream on YouTube, showed a fire at the base of the rocket, before a sudden and powerful explosion engulfed the rocket in a ball of yellow flames.

In a statement, Blue Origin said the incident was caused by an ‘anomaly’ and confirmed no one was injured.

“We experienced an anomaly during today's hotfire test,” the company said on X.

“All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more.”

Bezos also shared a statement, saying it was currently too early to say what had gone wrong.

“All personnel are accounted for and safe,” he 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.”

In a social media post, the Brevard County Emergency Management Office confirmed that there was ‘no risk to the general public’ following the explosion.

On Wednesday, Blue Origin announced that the 320-foot New Glenn will eventually be used to launch 48 Amazon Leo satellites into low-Earth orbit, to help build a constellation of broadband satellites, similar to the Starlink network.

As yet, Blue Origin hasn’t confirmed a target launch date.

The incident comes after NASA announced a huge new deal with Blue Origin to create a permanent base on the Moon, known as - you’ve guessed it - Moon Base.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the company would be tasked with delivering rovers to the lunar surface.

“NASA awarded Blue Origin $188 million with an option period worth $280.4 million for two task orders, which includes an option period based on initial phase performance,” the US space agency said in a statement.

NASA hasn’t yet commented on tonight’s incident in Florida, but Representative Mike Haridopolos shared a statement on X saying he had ‘already spoken to 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,” he wrote.

“Praying for Florida’s Space Coast and everyone involved.”