Antares 130 Rocket Explodes on Inaugural Launch
The upgraded Antares 130 rocket, designed to launch the Cygnus unmanned cargo spacecraft to resupply the International Space Station, exploded six seconds after its first ever launch last night at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The facility sustained heavy damage, but as the launch was unmanned, no personnel were injured. However, NASA has urged anyone in the area to stay away from debris and notify authorities, as the craft was carrying hazardous materials.
The cause of the failure is uncertain, but NASA and Orbital Sciences, the makers of the rocket, are conducting an investigation.
“Orbital has demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in its first two mission to the station earlier this year, and we know they can replicate that success,” says William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator of NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Directorate. “Launching rockets is an incredibly difficult undertaking, and we learn from each success and each setback. Today’s launch attempt will not deter us from our work to expand out already successful capability to launch cargo from American shores to the International Space Station.”
Gerstenmaier also said the crew of the ISS is in no danger of running out of food.
Check out this alternate view of the explosion from the air that tilts the entire aircraft.
