SpaceX Once Investigated Wild “Sniper” Theory After 2016 Rocket Explosion

After a dramatic Falcon 9 explosion in 2016 destroyed the Amos-6 satellite, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, explored a shocking theory: a possible sniper attack. Footage showed the rocket erupting into flames instantly—triggering Musk, asleep in California, to suspect sabotage from a rival.

A recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by journalist Eric Berger revealed that SpaceX seriously examined if a sniper on United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) rooftop—about a mile from the pad—could’ve caused the blast. Engineers even conducted firing tests on tanks, and the FBI briefly got involved.

The explosion came at a critical time, as NASA was investing in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon while the company competed fiercely with ULA. Despite the drama, investigations ruled out foul play. The true cause? Super-chilled helium loaded too quickly into the rocket’s pressurized tanks.

Although the sniper theory proved baseless, it revealed Musk’s willingness to entertain extreme ideas. Ironically, SpaceX would rebound, outpacing ULA launches in 2017 and sending astronauts to the ISS by 2019.