In Photos: Rocket Explodes Over Pacific Ocean in Massive Fireball Minutes After Launch
A privately designed, unmanned rocket built to carry satellites was destroyed in an explosive fireball after suffering an “anomaly" off the California coast during its first attempt at reaching Earth's orbit.
Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket blew up in an explosion over the Pacific Ocean shortly after its 6:59 pm Thursday liftoff from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. In the photo, the rocket lifts off from the base. REUTERS/Gene Blevins
Firefly said an “anomaly” occurred during the first-stage ascent that “resulted in the loss of the vehicle” about two minutes, 30 seconds into the flight. REUTERS/Gene Blevins
The rocket was carrying a payload called DREAM, or the Dedicated Research and Education Accelerator Mission. It consisted of items from schools and other institutions, including small satellites and several demonstration spacecraft. REUTERS/Gene Blevins
Firefly Aerospace's first Alpha rocket suffered a catastrophic anomaly during its first launch. Vandenberg said a team of investigators will try to determine what caused the failure. REUTERS/ Gene Blevins
Austin, Texas-based Firefly is developing various launch and space vehicles, including a lunar lander. Its Alpha rocket was designed to target the growing market for launching small satellites into Earth orbit. REUTERS/Gene Blevins
Firefly Aerospace's first Alpha rocket stands 95 feet (26 meters) high and is designed to carry up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of payload into low orbit. REUTERS/Gene Blevins
