Shared from twixb · arstechnica.com

How long will it take to rebuild Blue Origin's launch pad? We asked some SpaceX vets.

arstechnica.com·Jun 3, 2026

Blue Origin's recent explosion during a static fire test of its New Glenn rocket has raised concerns regarding the timeline for rebuilding its launch pad, with SpaceX veterans suggesting it could take 12 to 18 months, despite the company's goal to launch by the end of the year. The incident parallels SpaceX's AMOS-6 failure in 2016, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in recovering from such catastrophic events and the potential for future improvements in launch pad design.

The key insight for you is that Blue Origin's timeline for launching from their damaged pad within seven months is viewed as overly optimistic by former SpaceX employees, who believe a 12 to 18-month timeframe is more realistic. This suggests that if you're tracking Blue Origin's progress or planning investments, you should prepare for potential delays and consider the extensive rebuilding and optimization work required as a strategic opportunity rather than a setback.

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