UPDATE
Wallops Island, VA – An unmanned commercial supply space rocket exploded Tuesday evening, Oct. 28 shortly after takeoff from the Orbital Sciences Corps (OSC) launch complex at Wallops Island, VA.
A video provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows the rocket exploding less than 30 seconds after lifting off from the launch pad. No injuries were reported.
The unmanned craft held a 5,000 pound load of cargo. The craft was bound for the International Space Station.
During a news conference held about two hours after the explosion, an OSC spokesman requested residents living near Wallops Island to report to authorities any debris that might be found in nearby waters or on the ground. The corporation spokesman said the evaluation of the debris will be part of the investigation.
Launch complex officials said damage appears to have been confined to the south end of Wallops Island.
Wallops Island, VA – An unmanned space rocket exploded Tuesday evening, Oct. 28 shortly after takeoff from the Orbital Sciences Corps Launch Complex at Wallops Island. A video provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows the rocket exploding approximately 30 seconds after lifting off from the launch pad. No injuries were reported. The unmanned craft was bound for the International Space Station. NASA officials are expected to hold a news conference to discuss the incident sometime Tuesday evening.