Sea Launch rocket blows up during liftoff
A rocket launched in the Pacific Ocean by Long Beach-based Sea Launch Co. exploded during liftoff, destroying a Boeing Co.-built commercial communications satellite.
The rocket, which was being launched from an oceangoing platform in the equatorial Pacific, was carrying an NSS-8 satellite built at Boeing’s El Segundo factory and intended for use by Netherlands-based SES New Skies. All personnel were three miles away on the command ship when the rocket exploded on the floating launch pad, a Sea Launch spokeswoman said.
Company personnel were assessing the damage to the launch platform, she added.
Before the failed effort, the company had logged 20 straight successful launches.
- Peter Pae
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