Blue Origin explosion could be setback to NASA's Artemis moon missions
Blue Origin said it is investigating the cause as U.S. Space Force officials reaffirmed support for the rocket and a new National Reconnaissance Office task order.
- On Thursday, the U.S. Space Force awarded Blue Origin a task order for a National Reconnaissance Office mission, hours before an uncrewed New Glenn rocket exploded during a hot fire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- The award falls under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, a contracting vehicle designed for national security missions that can accept greater launch risk than the military's most demanding space launches.
- Blue Origin chief executive David Limp confirmed on May 30 that the company regained some access to Launch Complex 36 and are actively investigating the hot fire anomaly.
- The Space Systems Command reaffirmed commitment to the partnership, with Eric Zarybnisky, who runs the NSSL program, praising first responders and the Space Launch Delta 45 team who ensured public safety.
- Blue Origin intends to begin clearing the launchpad soon and has a rebuild plan in place to address the damage and resume operations at the facility.
46 Articles
46 Articles
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After the violent explosion, Blue Origin announced that no employees were injured, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
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