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As it happenedended

SpaceX launch live blog: Latest updates as Falcon 9 rocket set to explode

Elon Musk says dramatic abort test will see Falcon 9 rocket 'destroyed in Dragon fire'

Anthony Cuthbertson
Sunday 19 January 2020 07:04 EST
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SpaceX rocket explodes mid-flight in astronaut 'abort test'

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SpaceX has launched and exploded a 500-tonne rocket in mid-air as part of the last major safety test before sending astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

The In-Flight Abort Test saw the Falcon 9 rocket experience a planned "rapid, unscheduled disassembly" shortly after take-off.

The launch was originally planned for Saturday but was postponed until Sunday due to adverse weather conditions.

Sunday's launch was delayed three separate times but a six-hour launch window allowed it to eventually lift-off at 10.30am ET (3.30pm GMT).

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load.

If you missed the launch and rocket explosion, you can watch the full sequence here:

anthony.cuthbertson19 January 2020 16:02

A post-test press conference is about to get underway. We'll be able to hear from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Nasa Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and others.

anthony.cuthbertson19 January 2020 16:25

The news conference is underway. You can watch it over on Nasa's website here.

That's all from us for our coverage, thanks for joining us!

anthony.cuthbertson19 January 2020 16:56

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