A joint venture by Elon Musk's Space-X and Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook has ended with a 'fireball'.
Space-X's Falcon 9 Rocket which was set to launch Sept 3rd, 2016 has been lost. The mission was originally planned to deliver Facebook Internet.org communications satellite to orbit. It is unknown whether there has been any loss of life. Elon Musk has stated that there was 'not an explosion' but there clearly was. Officials have stated it is 'Too early to know' if SpaceX' plans for future joint missions for NASA will be delayed or canceled.
SpaceX Falcon 9 with Amos-6 payload. Credit:SpaceX
What is known at this point is that Space-X's Falcon 9 rocket was performing static engine burn tests on the launchpad set to be used for its eventual launch on September 3rd. These are typically routine maneuvers and should not have presented a risk to the vehicle. One moment the rocket was there and the next nothing just a cloud of smoke rolling in the light breeze. The wind is confirmed to be blowing offshore and there is no threat to the general public.
Since the explosion Tesla’s shares are down $11.24, or 5.3%, to $200.11
More sources of information on the story:
US LAUNCH REPORT -
RT -
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-spacex-explosion-live-updates-htmlstory.html
https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/01/a-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-just-exploded-at-cape-canaveral/
http://spacenews.com/falcon-9-explosion-could-have-ripple-effects-across-space-industry/
http://www.theverge.com/2016/9/1/12751430/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-explosion-future-delay