US private space rocket crashes

A private US space rocket which blasted off from a site in New Mexico malfunctioned before it reached space, organisers have said.

SpaceLoft XL launched at 1414 local time (2014 GMT) from Spaceport America, a desert launch site.

But it veered off course at an altitude of about 12,200m (40,000ft) and crash-landed in the desert.

The rocket was due to carry about 50 items into space, including cremated remains and school science projects.

The reason for the failure of Monday's launch is unclear.

source

NowPublic

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