MINOTAUR II+ EXPLODES SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF

A Minotaur II+ rocket exploded approximately 11 seconds after launching from Test Pad-01 at 11:01 p.m. PDT Wednesday.

There were no injuries in the explosion and the debris was contained to the immediate vicinity of the launch pad.

"We always have emergency response teams on standby prior to every launch," said Col. Kris Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander and launch decision authority for this launch, "Safety is our priority at all times."

An investigative review board has been established to determine the cause of the explosion.

Contact information for Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs:

Commercial: (805) 606-3595

FAX: (805) 606-4571

DSN: (312) 276-3595