SpaceX Rocket Explodes

SpaceX rocket explodes at Cape Canaveral ahead of launch.

09:25 05 September 2016

A SpaceX rocket has exploded while on the launch pad where it was being test-fired ahead of the launch. The force of the blast shook building several miles away from Cape Canaveral.

 

The company said that the explosion was caused by “an anomaly” that occurred while the rocket was being loaded with fuel. The rocket’s payload was destroyed but no one was injured.

 

In a statement, the company said: "The anomaly originated around the upper stage oxygen tanks and occurred during propellant loading of the vehicle.

 

"As per standard operating procedure, all personnel were clear of the pad and no-one was injured. We are continuing to review the data to identify the root cause."

 

Facebook had been due to use the Amos-6 satellite to deliver broadband internet coverage for swatches of sub-Saharan African as part of the Internet.org initiative.

 

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook account saying that he was “deeply disappointed” about the news. He added: "We remain committed to our mission of connecting everyone, and we will keep working until everyone has the opportunities this satellite would have provided,"

 

Meanwhile, Isaac Ben-Israel, the chairman of the Israel Space Agency, said: "As far as the Israeli communications satellite industry is concerned, this is a very severe blow which could place the future of the industry in doubt if it is not dragged out of the mud.”