Firefly was attempting to reach orbit with its Alpha rocket when the vehicle burst into a fireball above the Pacific Ocean about 2 minutes and 30 seconds after off. 

The rocket launched from the SLC-2 complex at the base near Lompoc at 6:59 pm PT after they aborted their first attempted launch at 6 pm PT.  

The company tweeted about the incident, 'Alpha experienced an anomaly during first stage ascent that resulted in the loss of the vehicle. As we gather more information, additional details will be provided.' 

In a follow up message Firefly said, 'Prior to entering the countdown, the Range cleared the pad and all surrounding areas to minimize risk to Firefly employees, base staff, and the general public. We are continuing to work with the Range, following all safety protocols.

Footage of the explosion was caught in a live-stream by Everyday Astronaut, and dramatic pictures were tweeted out by observer Philip Shuman. 

The Alpha rocket was intended to reach supersonic speed just seconds after take off, but appears to have taken minutes to break the sound barrier. Moments later, the rocket exploded. 

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer from the Center for Astrophysics, explained that while the spaceship exploded during the first stage burn, it reached MaxQ which will still provide the company with 'good data on the first stage engine.'