Blue Origin shifts to hybrid launch system after rocket explosion
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Blue Origin shifts to hybrid launch system after rocket explosion Vlad Schepkov Tue, June 30, 2026 at 1:31 PM EDT 1 min read ASTS AMZN Investing.com -- Blue Origin announced it will adopt a new launch configuration following last month's New Glenn rocket explosion, with plans to resume flights before year-end. The company will implement a horizontal/vertical hybrid system instead of rebuilding the damaged launch pad. Chief Executive Dave Limp said in a note on the company's website that Blue Origin is "not rebuilding the same pad" and will instead use existing infrastructure developed for its larger New Glenn variant, called the "9x4." "We take our responsibility as a launch provider very seriously, and we are committed to returning to flight with the reliability our mission demands," Limp wrote. The explosion occurred during a hot-fire test at Blue Origin's Florida launch site in May. The incident destroyed the lightning tower, transporter-erector, and hydraulic cylinders at the launch pad. Reconstruction work is currently underway. Limp wrote on X that the new configuration "has the added benefit of increasing our flight cadence as well." The company continues to investigate the cause of the May incident. Early findings point to the aft section of the first stage of the rocket as a possible source of the failure, Limp said. The mishap affected multiple stakeholders. Blue Origin serves as a partner for NASA's Artemis program and was selected to launch an uncrewed Blue Moon lander on New Glenn later this year. Amazon and AST SpaceMobile also depend on Blue Origin for launching their internet satellites. The explosion happened days before Blue Origin was scheduled to launch Amazon Leo satellites. Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin to compete with SpaceX in the reusable rocket and launch services market. Blue Origin shifts to hybrid launch system after rocket explosion Citi pushes back Fed rate cuts to May after blowout January jobs report Nvidia's new Alpamayo project: What it means for Tesla?
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