SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket apparently blew up during a test firing Thursday

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Enlarge / What the business end of a Falcon 9 rocket looks like during a launch. (credit: SpaceX)

Although no detailed information is available, it appears that SpaceX had a major problem with its Falcon 9 rocket during a static fire test on Thursday morning at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Based on preliminary reports from observers at the space center, buildings around the launch facility shook, and there were subsequently photos of dark smoke billowing from the SpaceX launch pad, SLC-40. The test occurred as part of a run-up to SpaceX’s planned launch on Saturday of the Amos 6 satellite for Spacecom, of Israel.

During a static fire test, cryogenic propellants are loaded onto the rocket, and during a simulated launch countdown all nine of the rocket’s Merlin 1D engines are ignited for several seconds. Clamps ensure the rocket remains on the pad. This is a standard procedure before all launches to ensure the health of the rocket and its systems.

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Source: Ars Technica – SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket apparently blew up during a test firing Thursday