The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exploded today because of what scientists and experts are calling a static fire anomaly. Elon Musk tweeted that the explosion happened during the fueling, specifically during the propellant fill operation (whatever that means).
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/771394161756942336
The SpaceX rocket was carrying a private satellite from Facebook that was supposed to bring internet access to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Mark Zuckerberg had a few words to say about the accident. From CNN:
“I’m deeply disappointed to hear that SpaceX’s launch failure destroyed our satellite,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post while traveling in Africa. He added that the satellite “would have provided connectivity to so many entrepreneurs and everyone else across the continent.”
Zuckerberg also said he has other technologies to help connect people. “We will keep working until everyone has the opportunities this satellite would have provided,” he wrote.
Obviously, it’s upsetting that all of that technology got damaged in the fire, but at least the video is cool to watch. Also, what are the chances that this was caused by James Bond or some supervillain who didn’t want those areas of the world access to the internet? Just a thought from a sick man who’s tripping on DayQuil and more tea than I care to admit.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Explosion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BgJEXQkjNQ
