Blue Origin received its first National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 task order for a National Reconnaissance Office mission on May 28, 2026, only hours before a New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch is planned no earlier than late 2027.
The anomaly occurred during a hot-fire test at Launch Complex 36, damaging the launch infrastructure, including a lightning protection structure. Blue Origin said all personnel were safe and that it was working to determine the cause.
The U.S. Space Force and the NRO said they remain confident in Blue Origin’s ability to execute the mission while awaiting the findings of the investigation. The FAA said the test was not covered by a license it oversees and that it would not open a separate mishap inquiry because the event did not affect air traffic.
The incident could affect New Glenn’s schedule for commercial and government missions, including Amazon Leo, AST SpaceMobile and some NASA work, as Blue Origin assesses the damage and rebuilds the launch site.