A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded Thursday at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to issue a debris hazard warning for nearby waters. The alert urges boaters to avoid restricted areas along the Space Coast due to falling debris from the failed launch. The explosion occurred during a test flight, though details about the cause remain under investigation.
The Coast Guard blocked off a section of the coast, marked in pink on official maps, where space launch and recovery operations are being conducted. Officials said free-falling debris poses a risk to maritime traffic, and mariners are being asked to stay clear of the area. No injuries were reported, but the incident has disrupted operations at the Kennedy Space Center, which shares infrastructure with Blue Origin’s launch site.
Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, released a statement late Thursday confirming all personnel were accounted for and safe. He called the day “very rough” but emphasized the company’s commitment to “rebuild whatever needs rebuilding” and return to flight. The statement did not address the cause of the explosion, which is being investigated by NASA and Blue Origin.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency is aware of the anomaly involving the New Glenn rocket. He described spaceflight as “unforgiving” and noted the challenges of developing heavy-lift launch capabilities. The incident has raised questions about the reliability of Blue Origin’s new rocket, which is part of a broader push to expand commercial space launch operations on the Space Coast.
As of Friday, May 27, 2026, no timeline has been announced for resuming launches at Launch Complex 36. The Coast Guard warning remains in effect, and local authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Residents and boaters are advised to follow official updates and avoid restricted waters until further notice.