Blue Origin is still uncertain about the cause of the New Glenn explosion but intends to launch again this year.

      **TL;DR** Blue Origin remains uncertain about the cause of the New Glenn explosion in May, with initial assessments indicating the aft section of the first stage. In a blog post on Tuesday, CEO Dave Limp mentioned that the company is analyzing extensive data from various cameras and sensors to determine the issue. The incident on May 28 led to the destruction of the rocket and caused significant damage to Blue Origin’s sole New Glenn launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

      The rocket was set for its fourth flight when it exploded during a prelaunch engine test, with no injuries reported. New Glenn had completed three flights since its launch in January 2025, successfully reaching orbit on its first attempt, but lost payloads on two of those missions.

      Limp commended employees for swiftly progressing in the reconstruction of the launch site. The explosion resulted in the loss of a lightning tower and the transporter-erector, the equipment used to transport and position New Glenn on the pad. Nearby structures also suffered damage.

      However, Limp noted that the company experienced several fortuitous circumstances, allowing them to avoid replacing components with lengthy manufacturing lead times. The site’s water tower, gas tanks, and rocket integration facility remained intact.

      In a major operational shift, Blue Origin will discontinue the use of the transporter-erector and will now employ a large crane to position New Glenn vertically on the pad prior to flights. Limp had previously committed to resuming flights before the end of 2026, stating that the crane method would facilitate a quicker return to flight and enhance the rocket's launch frequency moving forward.

      The situation is critical as Blue Origin plays a vital role in NASA’s initiative to send astronauts back to the moon before President Trump’s term ends. New Glenn is slated to launch the Blue Moon lander, which will carry crews to the moon's surface for the Artemis program. NASA is aiming for the first crewed moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972 to occur in 2028, making any delays at Cape Canaveral significant.

      Prior to the May explosion, Blue Origin had planned up to 12 launches this year, as reported by TechCrunch. The company's satellite internet service, Amazon Leo, also relies on New Glenn to deploy numerous satellites by an impending FCC deadline. Blue Origin has been contracted for 12 launches to establish the constellation, and the launch pad's destruction has halted this pipeline.

      Determining the root cause is essential for the next steps. Blue Origin cannot reinitiate flights, resume its NASA and Amazon commitments, or restore investor confidence until it identifies the issue within the aft section of the first stage and demonstrates it has been resolved. Although Limp expressed optimism, the company is still engaged in the initial phase, a month after the explosion.

      Published June 30, 2026 - 4:58 pm UTC