Florida: An unmanned New Glenn rocket from Blue Origin exploded on the launch pad during a test run, marking a major setback for Jeff Bezos' space company as it attempts to close the gap in competition with Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is preparing for its initial public offering.

According to Thai News Agency, video released via NASASpaceflight, a YouTube channel that live-streamed the rocket launch from Florida, shows the New Glenn rocket igniting on the launch pad before exploding into a large fireball that shoots high into the sky, sending a large plume of smoke and flames rising into the air. Blue Origin stated that an anomaly occurred, a term commonly used by rocket manufacturers to describe a launch failure or explosion. The company released a statement via Platform X saying the malfunction happened during a ground-based engine ignition test, and all personnel involved are safe. The company added that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available. The test involved igniting the rocket engine while the rocket was firmly anchored to the ground.

Jared Isaacman, administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), stated that the agency is aware of the incident and, speaking via Platform X, noted that space travel is unforgiving and developing the capabilities of new, heavy-duty rockets is extremely difficult. NASA will cooperate with partners to support a thorough investigation into the cause of the anomaly, assess the short-term impact on missions, and plan to resume rocket launches. He also added that NASA will provide information on any potential impacts on the Artemis project and lunar base programs.

Earlier this week, NASA approved a contract worth approximately 6.31 billion baht (US$188 million) to Blue Origin for the transportation of a lunar probe to the lunar surface using the Mark 1 unmanned cargo lander, as part of NASA's extensive Artemis program for lunar exploration. Jeff Bezos posted a message on the X platform stating that it was too early to know the true cause of the incident. He also said it was a very difficult day, but he would return to flying again, which is something valuable to do.