Sea Launch Rocket Explodes on Launch

“A rocket launched in the mid Pacific Ocean by Sea Launch Co. of Long Beach exploded during liftoff, destroying the rocket and its payload late Tuesday. The rocket, which was being launched from a converted oil rig on the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, was carrying an NSS-8 satellite built at Boeing’s El Segundo factory to be used by The satellite was built for Netherlands-based SES New Skies. Before this failed effort, the company had launched 20 consecutive successful missions.”