“Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capability is extraordinarily difficult,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “We will work with our partners to support a thorough investigation of this anomaly, assess near-term mission impacts, and get back to launching rockets.”
Local space officials warned that debris from the explosion could “wash ashore along publicly accessible areas over the coming days or week” and urged residents to contact emergency services if they encounter any wreckage.
“Launch vehicle debris is potentially hazardous, direct contact poses a risk to personal health and welfare,” said Space Launch Delta 45.
Launch Complex 36, where the explosion occurred, is visible from nearby beaches, and social media quickly filled with images of the fireball. Some locals reported feeling their homes shake following the blast.
Republican Rep. Mike Haridopolos of Florida, whose district includes Cape Canaveral, said he had spoken with Isaacman after the incident.
