NASA's launch of an Orbital Sciences Corp. Antares rocket and Cygnus resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station today ended abruptly when the rocket exploded in smoke and flames shortly after liftoff. This was to be Orbital's third resupply mission to the ISS. Such an incident is referred to in NASA parlance as a "Catastrophic Anomaly." An Accident Investigation Board (AIB) is being assembled to review the mishap.
There has been a vehicle anomaly. We will update as soon as we are able.
— Orbital Sciences (@OrbitalSciences) October 28, 2014
.@OrbitalSciences is currently evaluating the status of its mission. Visit http://t.co/he3w3DDGI3 for the latest information.
— NASA Wallops (@NASA_Wallops) October 28, 2014
Explosion occurred shortly after #Antares liftoff, unclear what the state of the rocket and of the people working at the launchpad are.
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
Launch director asks all personnel to stay at console, to obtain witness statements and data. #Antares exploded shortly after liftoff.
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
"A mishap has occurred" says NASA launch director after #antares explosion. Damage limited to facility, no indication of personnel in danger
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
Significant property damage and significant vehicle damage but no known injury or casualties, says NASA #Antares launch director.
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
"We're going to need to lock down any data pertinent to launch ops… as we pull together failure investigation board," NASA launch director
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
#Antares accident followed a "Flawless countdown, team was not tracking any issues," says Mission Control on NASA webcast.
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
Launch director confirms no injuries. "#Cygnus does have classified crypto equipment on spacecraft, maintain area around debris securely."
— Boing Boing (@BoingBoing) October 28, 2014
