Balloon Ruptured While Being Deflated After Successful Fill Test

A balloon belonging to World View Enterprises ruptured while it was being deconstructed following what was called a successful ground test to fill the balloon at Spaceport Tucson in Arizona, causing a lot of noise but little damage and no injuries.

The incident occurred Tuesday, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Crews has filled the balloon, and were in the process of taking it apart when the rupture occurred, causing a loud bang and a small fire on the balloon.

The sound of the explosion was heard by neighbors near the spaceport, and World View worked to quickly reassure the public. "We have reached out to reassure our immediate neighbors," said World View spokesman Andrew Antonio. "There were no injuries and only superficial facility damage at the site."

World View is approved to use hydrogen in tis balloons, which company official say is safe if handled properly. While helium is also approved, this test was conducted with hydrogen.

The explosion rattled windows and dislodged some ceiling ties and dust at a nearby building occupied by Raytheon Missile Systems, as well as "a litany of shock sensor alarms being activated," the company told its employees in an email.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report