Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket explodes during test
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket blew up during a test firing, a costly setback for Jeff Bezos but a normal part of building rockets.
- The rocket exploded on the launchpad in a test firing, with no injuries reported.
- Total damage estimates run from a quarter of a billion to over a billion dollars, covering the rocket, launchpad, and lost time.
- Bezos said the team will rebuild and keep flying, calling it a rough day but worth it.
- Elon Musk, his main competitor, publicly offered support, saying rockets are tough.
- Every space program, including SpaceX and the early NASA missions, has gone through failed test firings before reaching success.
Outlook: Blue Origin will rebuild and try again, with another launch attempt likely months away.