Blue Origin starts rebuilding Florida launch pad after New Glenn explosion

In late May 2026 a test firing of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket caused a massive explosion that destroyed launch complex 36A at Florida’s Space Coast. The blast damaged the sole operational pad for the heavy‑lift vehicle.

Blue Origin has begun reconstruction of the site, shifting to a new horizontal‑vertical launch configuration that will use a crane to lift the rocket into position. The redesign aims to speed the return to flight, with the company targeting a launch later in 2026, though independent observers estimate a 12‑ to 18‑month timeline.

NASA and the U.S. Space Force are working with Blue Origin on the rebuild, as the company’s capability is tied to Artemis lunar missions that plan to launch Moon landers on New Glenn. Delays could affect Artemis schedules, but NASA has expressed confidence in the company’s transparency and progress.