Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company. Founded by Elon Musk, the company that is aiming to be the pioneer in space travelling, has failed to launch a rocket that was carrying a satellite to be used by Facebook to bring internet access to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The satellite itself was created from a partnership between Facebook and a French satellite firm Eutelsat Communications. The satellite, called Amos 6, was owned by Israeli company Spacecom.
SpaceX said there were no injuries as a result of the explosion, which it described as an "anomaly."
"I'm deeply disappointed to hear that SpaceX's launch failure destroyed our satellite," said CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg that was travelling in Africa. The satellite "would have provided connectivity to so many entrepreneurs and everyone else across the continent."
The blast, took place at 9:07 am. It was a series of explosions that lasted more than four minutes. The launch pad at Cape Canaveral is an Air Force facility which has been leased to SpaceX. The company has launched 25 rockets from the site since 2010. Its rockets have carried supplies to the International Space Station as well as satellites.
