A Blue Origin rocket that was set to launch Amazon broadband satellites erupted into a fireball during a late-night engine test in Florida, dealing a major setback to Jeff Bezos' space company and renewing concerns about the risks tied to high-stakes launch programs.

Blue Origin's next New Glenn launch follows its first failed mission, and is due to set a record for Amazon Leo satellite launches.

For years, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket company operated in secrecy, overshadowed by the success of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Amazon’s satellite internet division has sought to calm employee concern after last week’s Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explosion, which founder Jeff Bezos described as a ‘very rough day’. The incident took place during a hot-fire test at Cape Canaveral,