This week, a small suborbital rocket carrying cremated remains exploded seconds after launch in the New Mexico desert. The cause of the explosion is still unknown and under investigation by authorities.
The rocket was launched from Spaceport America, located near Truth or Consequences, NM. It was intended to carry its payload into space before returning to Earth with a parachute system for recovery and burial of the ashes at sea off California’s coast.
Witnesses on site reported hearing an explosion shortly after liftoff followed by thick black smoke rising into the sky above them as they watched in horror from afar. No one was injured during this incident but it has left many questioning what went wrong and if there could have been any way to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Spaceport America released a statement expressing their condolences for those affected by this tragedy as well as promising full transparency throughout their investigation process so that similar events can be avoided going forward. In addition, they are offering free launches for future customers who wish to send loved ones’ remains into space out of respect for those involved here today’s accident.
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