MOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — A witness says Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo exploded during a test flight over California's Mojave Desert.

Photographer Ken Brown says the space tourism craft was released from the plane that carries it to high altitude, ignited its rocket motor and then exploded.

Brown says there is wreckage in the desert north of Mojave Air and Space Port.

The California Highway Patrol says there is one fatality and one major injury.

SpaceShipTwo is typically flown by two pilots.

Virgin Galactic confirms the loss of the spaceship but has given no details.