VIDEO: SpaceX Unmanned Rocket Explodes During Test
By Space Coast Daily // August 22, 2014
No injuries were reported
ABOVE VIDEO: A SpaceX Falcon 9R rocket exploded shortly after launching during a test flight in Texas.
McGREGOR, TEXAS – An unmanned SpaceX rocket exploded in mid-air Friday evening shortly after launch around 6:45 p.m. during a test flight at the SpaceX testing facility in McGregor.
According to a statement from the company, an “anomaly” was detected, and the rocket self-destructed, as it is designed to do. The test flight involved a three-engine version of its reusable Falcon 9 rocket.
No injuries were reported and witnesses reported several minor grass fires start from falling debris.
The rocket stayed in the designated testing area during the explosion and a representative from the Federal Aviation Administration was present during the testing.
SpaceX has operated its McGregor testing facility since 2003 and employs more than 140 people.
