ORLANDO, Fla. — Minutes after takeoff of the SpaceX In-Flight Abort test launch from SLC 39A Cape Canaveral, smoke, fuel, debris could be seen on Doppler 9HD as the Falcon 9 rocket exploded mid-takeoff.
After the Crew Dragon separated and escaped, the rocket broke apart and ignited into flames as planned.
Read: Mission complete: SpaceX In-Flight Abort Test successful
Channel 9′s radar beams picked up all those bits of debris as they radiated outward and drifted through the sky.
This is cool...10:30 am #SpaceX In-Flight abort test today and our radar picked up the #Falcon9 rocket exploding. #WFTV pic.twitter.com/XHWiVIhdTe
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) January 20, 2020
Larger, heavier debris fell back to the ocean, and the Brevard County Emergency Management Office sent a tweet today asking beachgoers to be aware of/avoid debris that washes ashore.
Anyone who sees rocket debris on the beach should call 866-623-0234.
1/19/20 | 2:50PM: Reminder - beachgoers be aware of/avoid rocket debris. Debris sightings? Call 866-623-0234
— Brevard EOC (@BrevardEOC) January 19, 2020
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