SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket exploded on its launch pad, utterly destroying Facebook’s Internet.org satellite it was scheduled to deploy in orbit.
Two billionaires just got handed a heap of disappointment. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket exploded during a test on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral yesterday ahead of its scheduled September 3rd launch, utterly destroying Facebook’s Internet.org satellite it was expected to deploy in orbit.
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The Internet.org satellite was intended to be one of Mark Zuckerberg’s bids to connect the world; specifically, the launch of the satellite was intended to coincide with his visit to the continent. The satellite, an Amos-6 communications unit, would have included the capability to beam broadband down to regions in Africa as part of Facebook’s Internet.org initiative.
The explosion is another setback for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which continues to pioneer the use of re-usable rockets.
Zuckerberg has stated that he is “deeply disappointed” in the development, but remains assured that other projects – such as Facebook’s Aquila drone, which will provide internet access to remote regions around the globe – will continue work in the lost satellite’s stead.
SpaceX cites that the failed launch test was a result of an ‘anomaly’ at Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The vehicle, as a result of the explosion, was completely destroyed.
The company cited that the ‘anomaly originated around the upper stage oxygen tank and occurred during propellant loading of the vehicle’. Thankfully, all staff were clear of the pad at the time of the explosion and no injuries were reported.
The incident is an unfortunate setback for both Facebook and SpaceX, but it is thankfully one which didn’t come at the cost of human life.
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What are your thoughts on the destruction of Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket and Facebook’s Internet.org satellite? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
