At least it didn't hit the launch tower. Or did it? :shifty:
I couldn't really tell...
Little OT: The US media coverage (especially CNN) is absolutely dreadful of this. CNN is carrying the story as "rocket with classified equipment explodes." So p*ssed that I had to turn off the television.
That was different by a mile. On that occasion the vehicle exploded completely mid-air sending all the debris away from the pad. In this case, the vehicle lost thrust and exploded upon ground contact like an aircraft dropped bomb.Nope. The umbilical arm is intact, as is the flame director. Most noticeable damage was blowing off 2 of the 4 lightning rods. I guess the pad needs several months to repair, but if the Cape's SLC-17A got rained down by rocket debris in 1997 and didn't really got serious damage, then I think this pad will be fine by early next year.
That was different by a mile. On that occasion the vehicle exploded completely mid-air sending all the debris away from the pad. In this case, the vehicle lost thrust and exploded upon ground contact like an aircraft dropped bomb.
No report released and it did delay the Antares/Cygnus Orb-2 flight by a couple of weeks.Was any sort of report released for the test stand failure of the AJ26 at Stennis back in May? I vaguely recall that it exploded in some manner, but it was dismissed as it was being operated outside of the normal operating envelope of the engine and so it didn't cause any flight delays. I can't seem to find too much on this.
Unknown at this time. But my guess would be no effect at all.So, what is the expected effect on future Orbital contracts?
It looks like a mini nuke had gone off at the launch pad.:blink:
Is there any toxic risk from the smoke and fire after the explosion?
It looks like a mini nuke had gone off at the launch pad.:blink:
Is there any toxic risk from the smoke and fire after the explosion?
Probably if you get too close (much closer than anyone currently is). I can't find any info on this particular vehicle using hydrazine though.
Is the press conference now? I can't see it.