Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded Thursday during testing on the launch pad , amid preparations to send the reusable rocket into space with its payload of satellites destined for low-Earth orbit.

“We encountered an anomaly during today’s static power-on test,” the company founded by Jeff Bezos said in a post on X, adding that “all personnel were present for the roll call. We will provide updates as soon as we have more information.”

Some footage, re-released by the American media, showed what appeared to be the ignition of the engines, followed by a huge fireball that engulfed the launch site at Cape Canaveral, Florida, hurling a cloud of flames and soot into the sky .

The aerospace company, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, had said it aimed to place 48 satellites into low-Earth orbit on behalf of Amazon in a bid to expand the e-commerce giant's broadband capabilities.

Florida Congressman Mike Haridopolos, whose district includes Cape Canaveral, said in a statement on X that he had been in contact with NASA director Jared Isaacman regarding the explosion. "I am relieved that no injuries were reported and grateful to the rescuers, engineers, and launch teams who acted quickly," he added.

The explosion represents the latest setback for Bezos's space exploration company: in April, its New Glenn rocket failed a mission to place a communications satellite into the correct orbit, prompting an investigation.

The incident represents the second high-profile rocket explosion in recent days, after a SpaceX Starship, owned by Tesla boss Elon Musk, burst into flames upon landing after a test flight last week.

(Unioneonline)

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