Blue Origin rocket malfunctions, triggers dramatic but safe abort for unpiloted New Shepard capsule

The Blue Origin rocket powering an unpiloted New Shepard spacecraft loaded with 36 experiments to the edge of space suffered a major malfunction moments after liftoff Monday, triggering a dramatic but successful abort as the capsule shot away from its failing booster, deployed three parachutes and safely landed.

"It appears we've experienced an anomaly with today's fight," said Blue Origin's launch commentator. "This was unplanned, and we don't have any details yet. but our crew capsule was able to escape successfully."

Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, built...