Blue Origin investigates New Glenn explosion as NASA keeps it as Plan A for lunar missions

Blue Origin’s heavy‑lift New Glenn rocket detonated during a pre‑launch engine test on 28 May, destroying the vehicle and heavily damaging Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. CEO Dave Limp said early analysis points to the aft section of the first stage and that the company is reviewing extensive camera and sensor data to identify the root cause. The explosion destroyed a lightning tower and the transporter‑erector, prompting a redesign that will use a massive crane to erect the rocket.

Despite the setback, NASA continues to treat Blue Origin as its primary “Plan A” for returning humans to the Moon. Space agency chief Jared Isaacman praised the company’s “almost beyond impressive” recovery effort and said NASA will not become “nervous” until mid‑2027, while also exploring backup options. New Glenn remains central to Artemis III, the planned 2028 crewed lunar landing, and to future lunar base logistics. Blue Origin aims to resume flights before the end of the calendar year, hoping to keep its role in NASA’s lunar agenda and related commercial payloads such as Amazon’s Leo satellite constellation.