Israeli Satellite Explodes On Rocket In Cape Canaveral
A rocket carrying an Israeli communications satellite exploded on its launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Thursday, destroying the $85 million device.
The Israel Space Agency said in a statement that during the fueling of the missile launcher, an explosion occurred that led to the satellite's total loss, which will have a "substantial affect on the Agency," it said.
The Falcon 9, a rocket manufactured by Elon Musk's private aerospace company SpaceX, disappeared from view in the explosion, which was felt from miles away.
The Amos 6 satellite, built by Israel Aerospace Industries and owned by Spacecom Ltd., was heading into space for a 16-year mission that was meant to serve Facebook, bring Internet connectivity to Africa and television service to providers in Europe and the Middle East.
It was originally scheduled for launch in July, but this was delayed to September 3.
more...
http://www.jpost.com/International/Israeli-satellite-explodes-on-rocket-in-Cape-Canaveral-466629
Glad no one was hurt...
