BREAKING: Explosion Reported at SpaceX Launch Site

Updated September 1, 2016 1:49 pm ET.

An explosion has occurred at the SpaceX launch site in Florida early this morning.

NASA has stated that SpaceX was test firing its unmanned rocket when the blast occurred. The routine test was being conducted in advance of a launch planned for Saturday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket was scheduled to carry an Israeli satellite.

According to the Associated Press, “Buildings several miles away shook from the blast, and multiple explosions continued for several minutes. A cloud of dark smoke filled the overcast sky.”

(Image courtesy of Danielle K.)

(Image courtesy of Danielle K.)

Additional details have not been released, but smoke is still rising from the launch site as of this writing.

Stay tuned for more information as the story develops.

UPDATE – SpaceX has released the following statement concerning the explosion:

“At approximately 9:07 am ET, during a standard pre-launch static fire test for the AMIS-6 mission, there was an anomaly at SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 resulting in loss of the vehicle. The anomaly originated around the upper stage oxygen tank and occurred during propellant loading of the vehicle. Per standard operating procedure, all personnel were clear of the pad and there were no injuries. We are continuing the review the data to identify the root cause. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.”

Written by

Ian Wright

Ian is a senior editor at engineering.com, covering additive manufacturing and 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Ian holds bachelors and masters degrees in philosophy from McMaster University and spent six years pursuing a doctoral degree at York University before withdrawing in good standing.