SpaceX Rocket Explodes During Launch

Just minutes after its launch, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket broke up on Sunday. The mission was to deliver more than two and a half tons of supplies, equipment, and experiments to the International Space Station. It was the first attempt at robotic cargo delivery since the Russian Progress capsule had an accident in April. It means that even greater stress will be put on the crew. In a statement issued Sunday, NASA said, "'We are disappointed in the loss of the latest SpaceX cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station. However, the astronauts are safe aboard the station and have sufficient supplies for the next several months." The agency also claimed "the commercial cargo program was designed to accommodate loss of cargo vehicles."