The article examines the challenges Blue Origin faces in rebuilding its launch pad after the recent New Glenn rocket explosion, drawing parallels to SpaceX's similar experience with the 2016 AMOS-6 incident. It features insights from SpaceX veterans who experienced the earlier explosion and subsequent recovery, highlighting the technical and logistical hurdles of launch pad reconstruction. The piece emphasizes the significance of this setback for Blue Origin's ambitions and NASA's lunar program, which is counting on New Glenn for future missions.
Background
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket suffered a major setback during a static fire test on May 28, when the vehicle exploded and severely damaged its launch pad. This incident draws striking parallels to SpaceX's 2016 AMOS-6 failure, where a Falcon 9 rocket exploded during pre-launch testing, destroying both the vehicle and its launch infrastructure.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jun 3, 2026 at 06:00 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10