A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 28, 2026. The blast's shockwave was recorded by seismographs as far as Clearwater, 135 miles away, equivalent to a 2.5 magnitude earthquake. No injuries were reported, but the rocket was destroyed and the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 suffered severe damage. The incident has raised concerns about potential delays for NASA, Amazon, and National Security Space Launch missions that rely on the site.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed three seismographic stations detected the explosion. The furthest station, located east of Clearwater, picked up the blast 135 miles from the launch complex. USGS noted the event was classified as an 'accidental explosion,' not an earthquake, because the shockwave originated above ground and did not cause seismic activity beneath the surface. The agency emphasized that while the readings were significant, they do not indicate tectonic movement.
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp announced in a May 30 tweet that the company has regained partial access to Launch Complex 36 and is investigating the cause of the 'hotfire anomaly.' He said teams are preparing to clear the damaged pad and develop a rebuild plan. The timeline for repairs remains unclear, but the incident could disrupt schedules for upcoming launches.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman visited the site over the weekend to assess the damage. His arrival highlights the potential impact on NASA's lunar exploration plans, which had depended in part on Blue Origin's capabilities. The agency has not yet commented on specific delays but has acknowledged the need for a thorough review of the incident's implications for future missions.