A massive explosion is being reported at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Footage circulating on social media captures the terrifying moment Blue Origin’s New Glenn exploded during a static fire test at Launch Complex 36.
View 3 ImagesBreaking news: As it was beginning a planned static fire test at Launch Complex 36, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded. We’re working to learn more.
The incident took place shortly after 9pm local time on Thursday, May 28.
An fire can be seen from the base of the rocket, followed by a huge, bright yellow plume.
Blue Origin, owned and founded by billionaire entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, has shared a statement on the event.
Blue Origin wrote in a post on social media platform X: “We experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test.”
“All personnel have been accounted for. We will provide updates as we learn more.”
NASA has not yet shared a statement on the social media platform.
Congressman Mike Haridopolos said in a post on X that he had spoken to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman about the incident.
“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,” Haridopolos said.
View 3 ImagesThe explosion occurred shortly after 9pm local time(Image: X)
NASA on Monday announced that Firefly Aerospace was selected by its Jet Propulsion Laboratory to transport the first Moonfall drone to the Moon.
“NASA is advancing development of Moon Base, a long-term lunar exploration and infrastructure initiative designed to enable sustained human presence and expanded scientific and commercial activity at the lunar South Pole,” a press release read.
The “Moon Base” project will rely on Firefly and Blue Origin for specific hardware needed to carry out the missions. Blue Origin was also selected to produce the lunar-terrain vehicle delivery landers.
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This is a developing story.