Billionaire Jeff Bezos's rocket exploded right on the launch pad.

TPO - A rocket from Blue Origin, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, exploded during a test launch, shaking nearby houses and illuminating the sky in an orange glow.

Blue Origin said the New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine activation test on the evening of May 28, in preparation for a satellite launch scheduled for next week. According to officials at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, no one was injured in the incident.

"It's too early to determine the root cause, but we've begun an investigation. It's been an incredibly difficult day, but we'll rebuild everything we need and keep flying. It's worth it," billionaire Bezos wrote on social media.

The New Glenn rocket (98m tall) was grounded in April after placing a satellite into the wrong orbit due to an engine malfunction. This was only the third flight of the rocket that Blue Origin intends to use to launch lunar landers for NASA, including those carrying astronauts to the surface of the Moon.

The company is preparing to test-launch a prototype lunar lander this fall. Earlier this week, the US space agency awarded Blue Origin a multi-million dollar contract to launch two lunar rovers over the next few years as part of the Artemis program.

“Spaceflight cannot afford to be careless, and developing new heavy rocket launch capabilities is extremely difficult,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman wrote on X. He pledged to provide information on any impact on the Artemis program, including the lunar base he announced.

Around 9 p.m. on May 28, many homes in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach shook, prompting residents to take to social media to find out what had happened. Launch Complex 36 was visible from the beach, and images of the orange fireball quickly flooded social media.

This rocket was scheduled to launch next week, carrying internet satellites from the Amazon Leo constellation.

Officials emphasized that there was no threat from emissions or other potential risks.

The U.S. Space Force said the explosion would not affect upcoming launch plans for other companies. United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket was scheduled to launch on the evening of May 29, carrying a batch of Amazon Leo satellites.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ten-lua-cua-ty-phu-jeff-bezos-phat-no-ngay-tren-be-phong-post1847338.tpo