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'Space is hard': Astronaut on space station tweets his reaction to SpaceX failure 'Space is hard': Astronaut on space station tweets his reaction to SpaceX failure
(1 day later)
So close and yet so far.
The news that the SpaceX rocket has exploded moments after lift off from its base in Florida has disappointed many around the globe looking forward to the next stage in space exploration.The news that the SpaceX rocket has exploded moments after lift off from its base in Florida has disappointed many around the globe looking forward to the next stage in space exploration.
But spare a thought for poor Scott Kennedy. The 51 year old veteran astronaut is currently just three months into a year long stint at the International Space Station – and that rocket was carrying his lunch. But 51-year-old veteran astronaut Scott Kelly has more reason than most to be disappointed by the failure of the latest launch.
Mr Kelly is currently just three months into a year long stint at the International Space Station – and that rocket was carrying his supplies.
Minutes after the explosion he tweeted his disappointment:Minutes after the explosion he tweeted his disappointment:
Watched #Dragon launch from @space_station Sadly failed Space is hard Teams assess below @NASAKennedy #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/myi3col5IxWatched #Dragon launch from @space_station Sadly failed Space is hard Teams assess below @NASAKennedy #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/myi3col5Ix
This is the third time the privately funded launch operator, funded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has attempted to get supplies to the ISS.This is the third time the privately funded launch operator, funded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has attempted to get supplies to the ISS.
It was carrying approximately 5,461 pounds (2,477 kg) of food, clothing, equipment and science experiments for the station. The cause of the explosion is not immediately known.It was carrying approximately 5,461 pounds (2,477 kg) of food, clothing, equipment and science experiments for the station. The cause of the explosion is not immediately known.
The station currently has four months of food and equipment so the astronauts are in no immediate danger.The station currently has four months of food and equipment so the astronauts are in no immediate danger.
But it is the third cargo line to malfunction in recent months with NASA alternative line, run by Orbital ATK, still grounded after an accident in October last year and the failure of a Russian cargo ship to reach the station in April.But it is the third cargo line to malfunction in recent months with NASA alternative line, run by Orbital ATK, still grounded after an accident in October last year and the failure of a Russian cargo ship to reach the station in April.
Scott Kennedy is currently three months into NASA's longest ever space flight. He is taking part in a year long study into the effects prolonged space flight has on the body. Mr Kelly is currently three months into NASA's longest ever space flight. He is taking part in a year long study into the effects prolonged space flight has on the body.
His twin brother Mark, also an astronaut, has remained on Earth as a control.His twin brother Mark, also an astronaut, has remained on Earth as a control.
Additional reporting by ReutersAdditional reporting by Reuters