A SpaceX rocket exploded at its launch pad in Cape Canaveral yesterday morning, destroying a satellite that was meant to be used for Facebook’s FB new program to deliver internet services to the developing world.
The satellite, called AMOS-6, was the result of a partnership between Facebook and French satellite firm Eutelsat Communications; AMOS-6 was set to ride into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket this Saturday. The Falcon 9 was destroyed today after a launch pad anomaly triggered the explosion.
AMOS-6 would have been the first satellite of Facebook’s Internet.org initiative to bring internet access to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg addressed the setback in a post on the social media site earlier today:
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