It only took one second for history to repeat itself. Today, a routine Russian space mission ended in tragedy when a Soyuz TM-34 en route to the International Space Station exploded. Much like the Challenger tragedy of a decade ago, the pilot and mission control had just called for throttle up when the rocket burst into flames.
Among the three cosmonauts aboard the spacecraft was American civilian Lance Bass, a member of the popular vocal group NSYNC. Bass joined the 10-day mission to take part in a highly anticipated reality-based television program slated to air this spring.
Stayed tuned to NBC News for more information.
~ * ~
I’m Kurt Loeder with MTV News. The world of music was sent into shock this afternoon when it was reported that Lance Bass of NSYNC was aboard the Russian Soyuz TM-34 rocket that exploded just minutes into its 10-day mission to the International Space Station.
No one from the NSYNC camp has made an official comment though sources close to the group indicated that Bass’ bandmates Justin Timberlake, J.C. Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone were devastated at the news and remain in seclusion at their manager’s compound in Orlando.
Keep it here on MTV or log onto MTV.com for more information as the story develops.
