A Blue Origin rocket exploded on the launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station May 28.
The New Glenn rocket was undergoing a “hotfire test” at the time of the explosion, which was quickly following by an announcement there was no threat to the general public.
➤ Live updates as Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explodes on pad at Cape Canaveral
But U.S. Space Force officials said debris from the explosion could wash ashore and “post health risks.” Anyone spotting anything should call 911.
Here’s what we know.
Blue Origin rocket explodes on pad during Florida test
A 320-foot New Glenn rocket was undergoing an engine “hotfire test” Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station when it exploded on the pad about 9 p.m. May 28.
There were no injuries or fatalities, and no threat to the general public, officials announced.
➤ Watch moment Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket explodes
The rocket was expected to soon launch 48 Amazon Leo broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit, although no launch date had been announced.
Watch for potentially ‘hazardous’ debris from explosion on Florida beaches
“Debris from the anomaly could wash ashore along publicly accessible areas over the coming days and weeks,” according to a release from Space Launch Delta 45 Public Affairs.
“It is critical to report sightings to 911 for proper removal and mitigation.
“Launch vehicle debris is potentially hazardous, direct contact poses a risk to personal health and welfare.”
What caused Blue Origin explosion? ‘We’ll rebuild’
The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
“It’s too early to know the root cause but we’re already working to find it,” Blue Origins owner Jeff Bezos posted on X May 28.
“Very rough day, but we’ll rebuild whatever needs rebuilding and get back to flying. It’s worth it.”
‘That’s part of life on the Space Coast’
“We heard a loud bang. Our house shook. Our windows rattled,” said Phil Stasik, who lives about 11 miles from Launch Complex 36.
“We ran out into the driveway and saw the mushroom cloud rising off on the eastern horizon.
“This is part of life on the Space Coast. We’ve lived here for 32 years, and we’ve watched numerous other rockets have anomalies of various types. We’ve seen other explosions. It’s going to happen, much the way we know that there are accidents on the road and in the air.”
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Debris from Blue Origin explosion could pose health risk. What to do
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud and Rick Neale, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
