The Space X Falcon 9 rocket launch has ended in failure. The unmanned rocket carrying supplies for the International Space Station exploded only two minutes and 19 seconds after launch, sending supplies and debris plummeting into the Atlantic Ocean.
NBC News reported that the Falcon 9 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station right on time, with no suspect of potential issues. However, after the launch, communication to the rocket was lost as it exploded mid-flight. The rocket was carrying more than two tons of supplies meant for the International Space Station. Included in the cargo was a new docking adapter for new U.S.-developed space ships, a virtual reality headset from Microsoft, and various other types of integral equipment and materials for experiments.
Prior to launching fully into space, the Falcon 9 was supposed to dock onto a platform nearly 215 miles downrange in the Atlantic. However, the mission was not a success, and the Falcon 9 will now be recovered, along with the fallen supplies, from the Atlantic ocean to determine what might have caused the mishap.
The launch was the first attempt at a robotic cargo deliver, called the Dragon, since April, when when a Russian capsule failed to deliver a 3-ton payload. Included in that delivery was integral supplies such as food, oxygen, and other basic needs. As a result, the Falcon 9 was meant to replenish the much-needed supplies and more. The crew of the International Space Station is now in dire need of much needed supplies. It is hopeful that a new mission can be carried out soon to ensure the necessities do not run out.
According to the Huffington Post , NASA has not official stated that the Falcon 9 has blown up, but instead has stated it “broke up,” which would signify that there was no explosion but instead simply began to fall apart. The incident occurred when the Falcon 9 went supersonic, resulting in the rocket breaking apart and plummeting into the Atlantic ocean.
Elon Musk shared the malfunction via Twitter and stated that data would need to be reviewed prior to making any official comments on the incident.
“Falcon 9 experienced a problem shortly before first stage shutdown. Will provide more info as soon as we review the data.”
Despite the loss of integral supplies and billions of dollars lost, there is solace in knowing that the rocket was unmanned and there was no loss of life in the process.
[Photo Courtesy: News Space Journal ]
