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1 hour ago 2 min read
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket has exploded in Florida during a launchpad test.
No injuries were reported but it marks a setback for the space technology firm, which was founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos in 2000. New Glenn has flown three missions after debuting in January last year.
The incident happened during a ‘hotfire test’ involving a prelaunch engine.
The rocket is powered by two liquid-propellant engines, one using liquefied natural gas/methane and the second stage involves liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
Liquid hydrogen is chosen for the upper stage as its high specific impulse provides the efficiency to push heavy payloads into orbit. Combined they provide 320,000 to 350,000 pounds of vacuum thrust.
To date, Blue Origin has conducted 41 flights across its active launch vehicle programmes, supplemented by early prototype tests and dynamic static engine trials.
It has invested around $1bn in its dedicated New Glenn launch site in Cape Canaveral.
The firm said it will provide updates as investigations into the root cause begin.
Activity in aerospace continues to spike with NASA unveiling its this week.
