Rocket Report: A dark day for Blue Origin; Pentagon eyes new launch site

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded on its Cape Canaveral launch pad, badly damaging the site and likely sidelining the vehicle for an extended period.

The incident could delay a major U.S. launch program as officials assess the damage and recovery timeline.

In China, a crewed Shenzhou 23 mission headed to the Tiangong station, even as long-lived rocket bodies in orbit continue to rise.

The report also flags growing policy concerns around orbital debris, a DARPA thrust-control contract for Voyager Technologies, and Pentagon interest in a new launch site.