international space station for a resupply mission. its cargo weighed 5,000 pounds and included experiments, food, space walk equipment and classified materials. all lost in this fireball. families had gathered to watch the first nighttime launch at nasa's wallop flight facility in virginia. >> it's going to be loud. >> reporter: although they were in a safe area, the noise and impact of the explosion could be felt miles away. the rocket belongs to orbital sciences corporation based in virginia. this was the third of eight resupply missions to the international space station. part of a $1.9 billion contract orbital has with nasa. >> it's a tough time to lose a launch vehicle like this and its payload. >> reporter: investigators will enter the launch pad at first light this morning. because of hazardous material on board the public is warned to stay away from the debris field, including anything suspicious