Breaking news to report out of Cape Canaveral, Florida where we’re seeing reports that the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket set to launch on Saturday has exploded on the launch pad:
The @SpaceX Falcon 9 just exploded at their Launch Complex at Cape Canaveral.
— Robin (@nova_road) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/TonduTurk/status/771339165854228481
It does look pretty localized. Falcon 9 appears to have had a RUD well within her pad area. Still awful of course. pic.twitter.com/wdf09P6bKQ
— Chris B – NSF (@NASASpaceflight) September 1, 2016
BREAKING: Report of several explosions at #SpaceX Falcon 9 launch pad in Cape Canaveral. Pic: @krisn99 @news965wdbo pic.twitter.com/eTE3NM5Lln
— Josh Miranda (@Joshuology_) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/verge/status/771339341696274432
SpaceX Falcon 9 reportedly exploded at Cape Canaveral. pic via reddit pic.twitter.com/f5x8Sxmza5
— Fred Lambert (@FredericLambert) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/Spaceflight101/status/771338108377989120
No word yet on injuries.
The Falcon 9 was set to launch an Israeli satellite into orbit on Saturday:
US EVA37: Falcon 9 set for launch Saturday with AMOS-6 comsat; booster hot fire was believed to be on tap; no word from SpaceX
— William Harwood (@cbs_spacenews) September 1, 2016
This Falcon 9, F9-029, was meant to launch Israel's Amos-6 communications satellite. Not sure if payload was aboard at the time of explosion
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) September 1, 2016
We’ll update this post as soon as we learn more.