The $30 billion bet on space goes up in flames

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded on the launch pad during a routine hotfire test, dealing a significant blow to the company's plans for upcoming launches and contracts with NASA. The incident has left many wondering if the company will be able to recover from the setback.

According to reports, the rocket was scheduled to carry and launch 48 Amazon Leo satellites into low-Earth orbit, and later haul lunar landers and cargo for upcoming Artemis missions.

What's at stake

Blue Origin signed a $188 million contract with NASA to deliver lunar rovers to the moon just two days before the accident. The loss of this New Glenn rocket throws a monkey wrench into many of Jeff Bezos' plans, including the launch of a lunar lander for NASA's Artemis program.

The company will have to spend countless hours and cash fixing the launch pad,time and money that would otherwise go into building another New Glenn rocket. The televised test-turned-travesty captured not only the explosion but debris shooting off in all directions.

Investigation underway

NASA is working with Blue Origin to investigate the cause of the explosion . The company has promised to help cover the damages the explosion dealt to the launchpad .

The televised test-turned-travesty captured not only the explosion but debris shooting off in all directions. Much of this shrapnel landed in the ocean, and some of the debris might wash up on shore. People are warned to notify the organization of any they find.

What's still unknown

While the cause of the explosion is still unknown , one thing is clear: the loss of this New Glenn rocket is a significant setback for Blue Origin and its plans for space exploration.

The company will have to focus on cleanup efforts and repairing the launch pad before it can move forward with its plans. Until then,all New Glenn projects are effectively grounded.

The incident has left many wondering if the company will be able to recover from the setback and meet its deadlines for upcoming launches and contracts with NASA.