BRIGGS, Texas – A small town just North of Austin was rocked when a rocket at a research facility exploded during a test.
According to Firefly Space, during tests on Monday at a facilty in Briggs, Texas, the first stage of their Alpha Flight 7 rocket “experienced an event” which led to the explosion of the stage.
“Proper safety protocols were followed, and all personnel are safe,” said Firefly in a statement. “The company is assessing the impact on its stage test stand, and no other facilities were impacted.”
The company says that regular testing is “part of their philosophy” and that they test every critical component to ensure it operates within requirements for flight.
According to the website, the rocket, designed for Lockheed Martin, is intended for commercial spaceflight. More information about the path forward will be shared at a later date.