SpaceX explosion
What has been described by witnesses as a “series of explosions” took place at about 9:15 a.m. and officials have not said what caused it but have launched an investigation. It was to liftoff on Saturday with an Israeli satellite as cargo, the Amos 6, to deliver that satellite into a space orbit.
Buildings shook and smoke filled the air.
A local publication, Florida Today, spoke with the Brevard County Emergency Management Director Kimberly Prosser and she said that the ship exploded on the launch pad and the situation is under control.
“There are no hazards to the general public,” she told Florida Today. “We’re monitoring the situation, but there have been no requests for assistance.”
Routine engine tests
The SpaceX Rocket 9 Falcon rocket exploded during the routine testing of the rocket-engine that takes place before any launch. It looked to witnesses as if the entire rocket had exploded and ground crews were seen rushing to the ship.
The rocket and launch is a project of the SpaceX (headed by Elon Musk) space company and the company issued a statement this morning.
“SpaceX can confirm…in preparation for today’s static fire there was an anomaly on the pad resulting in the loss of the vehicle and its payload,” the company said. “Per standard procedure, the pad was clear and there were no injuries.”
