27.06.2026
Approaching one month since an explosive setback rocked the Space Coast, Blue Origin is making significant progress on clearing its wrecked New Glenn launch pad, moving quickly toward reconstruction.
Blue Origin's CEO Dave Limp gave a public update on X (formerly Twitter) on June 25, sharing a video showing the launch pad being cleared of wreckage alongside a timelapse of crews working at the site.
"Quite a sight to see the progress this team has made since May 28. Wreckage recovery from start to finish was completed in 9 days, and all debris has been cleared from Launch Complex 36," Limp wrote. "Huge shoutout to the team who have been working 7x24. We have started reconstruction and still plan to fly again this year. Will have more details on the new conop soon."
The company is working on a concept of operations (conop) which will eliminate the need for a new transporter-erector to raise the rocket at the pad. Details are limited, but this will enable a faster return to launches.
During a May 28 routine prelaunch test of the company's New Glenn rocket's engines, known as a static fire, something went terribly wrong. The rocket exploded as the engines started, causing significant damage to the launch pad and a fire which burned for hours. The Space Coast sky lit up orange as a giant cloud rose over the Cape.
It was set to be the company's fourth New Glenn launch, planning to send a batch of Amazon Leo internet satellites to orbit. The satellites were spared, as they were not on the rocket at the time.
Blue Origin planned to launch the first of its uncrewed Mark 1 lunar landers atop a New Glenn rocket by the end of the year in support of NASA’s moon base goal.
Afterward, the Blue Moon Mark 2 lander for NASA's Artemis moon missions was set to follow. Still aiming for 2027, the Artemis III mission calls for the Orion spacecraft to dock with a modified Starship and the Mark 2 lander in Earth orbit. The mission is a test of the landers before the 2028 moon landing and is an effort to get NASA's SLS rocket flying more often.
Blue Origin has continuously stated the company is ready to meet NASA's goals.
Quelle: Florida Today