Blue Origin Reports No Critical Damage After Rocket Explosion

Blue Origin announced on Tuesday that the recent explosion of its rocket did not harm the fuel tanks or other critical components of the launch platform. This rocket, crucial to NASA’s Artemis lunar program, encountered an explosion during a test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The explosion destroyed a lightning tower and the transporter-erector used for moving and raising the rocket, causing shockwaves across the state. However, the CEO, Dave Limp, reported that methane, hydrogen, and oxygen tanks remained intact. He also confirmed that the water tank is in good condition, and the support tower can be repaired on site.

Nearby boosters and rocket parts were undamaged, leading Limp to conclude these findings as “somewhat good news” in an update on X. He expressed confidence that the company will fly again before the year’s end. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

NASA had just awarded a contract worth hundreds of millions to Blue Origin two days before the accident, selecting New Glenn rockets to send exploration vehicles to the Moon. These vehicles will precede Artemis astronauts, who will eventually operate them. New Glenn rockets are also essential for launching the company’s Blue Moon lander, intended to transport astronauts to the lunar surface.

NASA aims for 2028 as the earliest return to the Moon’s surface since Apollo 17 in 1972. Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized NASA’s commitment to getting the platform operational quickly while focusing on advancing the lunar lander.

This news follows Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn rockets, named after John Glenn—the first American in orbit—having only launched three times. They are much smaller than SpaceX’s Starship, which is conducting test flights from Texas. NASA has also commissioned Starships and Blue Moon landers for the Artemis missions.