Space & Astronomy

SpaceX rocket explodes on the launch pad

By T.K. Randall
September 1, 2016

Image: SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launch (2025)
Credit: Aubrey Gemignani / (PD) NASA The private space firm, which had been enjoying a run of successes in recent months with its reusable rocket technology, hit a setback today when an unmanned rocket that was due to carry a satellite in to space at the weekend unexpectedly blew up during routine pre-launch testing.

Witnesses saw a fireball and houses shook after a #SpaceX unmanned rocket exploded on the launch pad. pic.twitter.com/uXU1vacMid

— Sam Jordan (@Sam_Jordan80) September 1, 2016

The massive explosion could be felt several miles away and produced plumes of thick black smoke however NASA has moved quickly to offer its reassurances that there is no danger to the public.Officials have stated that the explosion was caused by a "catastrophic abort during a static test fire."

The Israeli satellite it was carrying, which was intended to help spread Internet connectivity to the developing world as part of a new Facebook project, was also destroyed in the blast.

Source: BBC News

Tags: SpaceX, Rocket