WATCH: Exploding NASA Rocket Carried Ocean City, N.J. High School Science Experiment

An Orbital Sciences cargo rocket that exploded over the launchpad Tuesday into a huge ball of fire was carrying a science experiment designed by Ocean City, N.J. High School students.

The Antares rocket, which exploded just moments after liftoff at 6:22 p.m. at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Virginia coast, was carrying the experiment in a 7-inch test tube with three compartments, according to The Press of Atlantic City.

The experiment was designed to gauge the attachment rate of E. coli bacteria to lettuce leaves in microgravity, according to The Press of Atlantic City, and could be useful in treating infections in astronauts.

Kristina Redmond, one of six OCHS students who created the experiment that was among 19 chosen nationwide, reported that the Ocean City contingent viewing the disaster live - but from a distance - was safe, according to The Press.

Calling it a “catastrophic anomaly,” NASA officials could be heard over the streaming video at NASA TV as live images played of the smokey scene. They noted the accident occurred six seconds after liftoff.

It appears the damage is limited to the facility, according to the report. No personnel were injured, but there was significant property damage. Had the flight gone as planned, the rocket would have been visible across the Eastern Seaboard. After being boosted into orbit by rockets, the spacecraft was to dock with the International Space Station to deliver food, clothes and other cargo, including scientific experiments.

This was the second attempt at a launch. An attempt Monday was called off after an unauthorized boat came into the launch hazard zone.

On Twitter, Orbital Sciences referred to the incident as a ”vehicle anomaly” shortly after the explosion.

This was expected to be the fourth cargo delivery to the space station, and the largest, from Virginia-based Orbital Sciences under a Commercial Resupply Services contract.

The company has over 1,000 satellites, launch vehicles and other space-related systems delivered or under contract since 1982, according to Orbital.com.