Planet satellite imagery shows charred areas and apparent structural damage at Launch Complex 36 after Blue Origin’s 320-foot New Glenn rocket erupted in flames during a hot fire test.

Blue Origin, which is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, was gearing up for a June launch to put a batch of Amazon "Leo" internet satellites into orbit.

A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending an enormous fiery mushroom cloud into the sky.

The 320-foot rocket was undergoing an engine "hotfire test" when it apparently exploded and was quickly engulfed in flames.

May 30, 2026: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend

On Thursday evening, Blue Origin attempted to test fire its massive New Glenn rocket at its Florida launch site, but something went very wrong after engine ignition. The super heavy lift rocket exploded in spectacular and disastrous fashion.

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket company suffered a blow May 28, 2026, when its New Glenn rocket exploded on the test stand ahead of launch. What we know.