Blue Origin CEO Jeff Bezos announced Friday the company has regained access to Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Station, where a New Glenn rocket exploded on Thursday night. The incident occurred during a hot fire test around 9 p.m., with a 911 caller describing the blast as resembling an atomic bomb. No injuries were reported, but the explosion caused significant damage to the launchpad, prompting warnings about potential toxic debris washing ashore in Brevard County.
Cleanup efforts are expected to begin soon, though the scope of the work remains unclear. Bezos said on X that the booster and second stages of the rocket appear intact based on initial inspections. However, the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. The company plans to clear the launchpad and implement a rebuilding strategy, but timelines for resuming launches have not been disclosed.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated the agency is analyzing whether the explosion could impact the Artemis program or Moon base initiatives. SpaceX and United Launch Alliance successfully launched rockets from the Space Force Station on Friday, but concerns remain about potential delays to NASA's lunar goals. Blue Origin's return to the pad comes as the company seeks to compete with SpaceX in the commercial launch market.
Local authorities continue monitoring the area for hazardous materials, with environmental teams preparing for possible decontamination efforts. The explosion, which was visible across Brevard County, has drawn scrutiny from industry experts and lawmakers. Bezos emphasized the company's commitment to transparency, though details about the investigation's progress remain limited. The incident marks a setback for Blue Origin's ambitions to establish a regular launch schedule from Florida.