The CEO of Blue Origin has boldly declared that the company will return to flight before the end of 2026, following a devastating explosion at their Florida launch site. Writing on X, Dave Limp announced progress on rebuilding LC-36A, which was damaged in the test failure. The good news? The propellant farm and tanks are in excellent condition, easing concerns over lead times.

The alternative to constructing a larger pad at LC-36B, Blue Origin will instead implement a vertical conop system for launching the 7×2 variant of their New Glenn rocket—a move that could signal a return to using this previously successful booster. Limp also revealed plans to replace the transporter that was irreparably damaged during the test.

With an aggressive timeline of around six months, Blue Origin may be positioning itself to avoid discussions about potentially launching its Blue Moon lander on SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, a competitor’s vehicle. This move could indicate a strategic pivot towards self-sufficiency in launch capabilities.