SpaceX rocket explodes on pad during unmanned test

An unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exploded on the launch pad during a test Thursday morning, destroying the rocket and an Israeli satellite called Amos-6.

The company said that no people were injured in the accident.

"SpaceX can confirm that in preparation for today's standard pre-launch static fire test, there was an anomoly on the pad resulting in loss of the vehicle and its payload," SpaceX said in a statement on Thursday morning. "Per standard procedure, the pad was clear and there were no injuries."

According to the 45th Space Wing, the explosion occurred at 9:07 am, and there was "no threat to public safety."

The rocket and its satellite payload were scheduled to be launched this Saturday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The satellite was also going to be used by Facebook, and the social network's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, mourned the loss.