Now begins the search for answers to the explosion that destroyed the Antares rocket on Tuesday that was to carry supplies to the International Space Station.
Officials say they have begun an initial assessment of the damage and in the weeks ahead they will move forward with restoring the space launch capabilities.
Keith Kohler, a spokesman for the Wallops Flight Facility, he does not expect the disaster to affect upcoming sounding rocket launches which are scheduled for the coming months.
Assessment
At the pad the initial assessment found damage to the transporter erector launcher and the lightning suppression rods as well as debris around the launch pad.
Officials say that the damage is basically confined to the southern third of Wallops Island in the area directly next to the launch pad.
No hazardous substances have been detected in the surrounding area nor are there signs of any water pollution such as oil sheens.
Witnesses
Meanwhile, the crowd gathered for the launch reacted with shock and sadness to the dramatic explosion and failure of the rocket launch.
Two eyewitnesses recount what they saw and felt at the sight of the rocket as it exploded just after liftoff.
