Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerThe Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning Herald logoAdvertisementWorldNorth AmericaSpaceA Blue Origin New Glenn rocket dramatically exploded on the launchpad during a test in a setback for Jeff Bezos’ space venture.Updated May 29, 2026 — 1:45pm,first published 1:42pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon2:10Long hours, low pay, and dozens of orders: life for China's delivery driversVideo icon0:24Police called amid protests at Victoria Park Olympics siteVideo icon3:06An Australian taking over the UK gets his own crazy showVideo icon0:22Melbourne cold case arrestAdvertisementThe Sydney Morning Herald logoTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe AgeBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe Sydney Morning HeraldContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe
Moment Bezos-owned rocket explodes into huge fireball
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket dramatically exploded on the launchpad during a test in a setback for Jeff Bezos’ space venture.
TL;DRAI
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launchpad during a ground test on May 29, a major setback for Bezos' space venture. The accident widens SpaceX's lead in heavy-lift launches and delays Blue Origin's timeline on government and commercial contracts.
136 words~1 min read
