Billionaire SpaceX owner Elon Musk has delivered a crushing verdict on Jeff Bezos' most recent space disaster - the explosion of his Blue Origin New Glenn rocket.
Explosion at Kennedy Space Centre
Blue Origin's New Glenn was reportedly undergoing a static fire test when it exploded at Launch Complex 36 of the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The incident occurred shortly after 9pm local time on Thursday, May 28.
Footage circulating online shows a detonation at the base of the rocket, with smoke rapidly travelling up the shaft before a second blast erupts near the pointed nose of the spacecraft. The entire vehicle is then consumed by a large, bright yellow fireball.
Musk's Reaction
Taking to his social media platform X, Musk simply said: "Most unfortunate. Rockets are hard."
Blue Origin's Statement
Blue Origin issued a statement following the explosion. A spokesperson said via social media: "We experienced an anomaly during today's hotfire test. All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more."
Jeff Bezos also posted on X: "All personnel are accounted for and safe. 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."
NASA and Congressional Response
NASA has not yet issued a statement online or on X, which is typically standard practice following immediate breaking incidents. However, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology subcommittee chair Mike Haridopolos posted on X: "I've already spoken with @NASAAdmin Jared Isaacman regarding the explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket tonight at Kennedy Space Center. I am grateful there were no reported injuries and thankful for the first responders, engineers, and launch crews who acted quickly. Praying for Florida's Space Coast and everyone involved."
