MOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — The wreckage of the Virgin Galactic space tourism rocket known as “SpaceShip Two” is scattered in Southern California’s Mojave (moh-HAH’-vee) Desert, after an explosion during a test flight.

Authorities say one person onboard was killed, and another was seriously injured. A Highway Patrol officer says one person parachuted out of the craft.

A photographer who witnessed the crash says the aircraft exploded after a plane designed to take it to a higher altitude released it, and the craft ignited its rocket motor.

SpaceShip Two is typically flown by two pilots. It was designed to provide a sub-orbital thrill ride into space before it returns to Earth as a glider.

The company isn’t saying what happened, other than that it is working with authorities to determine the cause of the accident.

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198-v-29-(Warren Levinson, AP correspondent)–An experimental private spaceship has exploded over California. AP correspondent Warren Levinson reports. (31 Oct 2014)

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APPHOTO LA113: This image from video by KABC TV Los Angeles shows wreckage of what is believed to be SpaceShipTwo in Southern California’s Mojave Desert on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014. A Virgin Galactic space tourism rocket exploded after taking off on a test flight, a witness said Friday. (AP Photo/KABC TV) (31 Oct 2014)

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