After SpaceX’s Falcon 9 exploded on the launch pad today, we now have video detailing its final moments. The video — a non-profit that brings military veterans to witness space launches — shows the rocket being fueled before being engulfed in flames.
The rocket, and its $95 million-plus payload — a Facebook-owned Amos-6 satellite — were both destroyed. The satellite was meant to provide free internet access to millions in Sub-Saharan Africa as part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Internet.org initiative.
Zuckerberg provided this statement via Facebook:
I’m deeply disappointed to hear that SpaceX’s launch failure destroyed our satellite that would have provided connectivity to so many entrepreneurs and everyone else across the continent. Fortunately, we have developed other technologies … that will connect people as well. We remain committed to our mission of connecting everyone, and we will keep working until everyone has the opportunities this satellite would have provided.
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