Massive rocket explosion

On Oct. 28, 2014, an Orbital Sciences Antares rocket exploded just moments after launching at NASA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia. The rocket was carrying a Cygnus spacecraft loaded with 5,000 pounds of cargo for the crew at the International Space Station.

Antares rocket explosion

The Antares rocket suffered a "catastrophic anomaly" after launch that resulted in the loss of both the rocket and the Cygnus spacecraft. NASA is still trying to determine exactly what caused the explosion.

Antares rocket explosion

The rocket had lifted off at 6:22 p.m. EDT, before exploding moments later in mid-air.

Antares rocket explosion

There were no injuries as a result of the explosion.

Antares rocket explosion

The Cygnus spacecraft was filled with supplies bound for the International Space Station, including science experiments, experiment hardware, spare parts, and crew provisions.

Antares rocket explosion

The explosion was a setback for Orbital Sciences' goal of setting up routine station resupply mission through a $1.9 billion NASA contract.

Antares rocket explosion

The goal of the Orbital contract with NASA was to deliver 20 tons of hardware to the space station over at least eight flights through the year 2016.

Antares rocket explosion

NASA released 39 photos of the explosion a year later, giving an unprecedented look at the accident.

Antares rocket explosion

NASA hired both Orbital and the privately held SpaceX to fly cargo to the space station after the U.S. space shuttle program ended.

Antares rocket explosion

A distant view of the explosion.

Antares rocket explosion

Smoke billowed up into the sky following the explosion.