( CNN ) After it became apparent there was a problem with the launch of the NASA-contracted Antares rocket , the company that operated the flight hit the destruct button , a spokesman said Thursday . The flight termination system was engaged , confirmed Barron Beneski , vice president of corporate communications at Orbital Sciences Corp. , in an email . Mark Kelly , retired NASA astronaut and SpaceX advisory board member , said it was the right call . `` They commanded the destruct system to make sure it did n't wind up in a populated area when they knew it was n't going to make it to orbit , '' he said . The unmanned rocket was destroyed shortly after launch on the Virginia coast on Tuesday night . The crash caused a spectacular fire and scattered debris over a large area . The cargo module was carrying 5,000 pounds of supplies and experiments meant for the International Space Station .
Orbital Sciences Corp. confirms that the flight termination system was engaged . Retired astronaut Mark Kelly says it was the right call . Score: 7