A rocket made by a Japanese company has exploded seconds after it was launched with the goal of putting a satellite into orbit.
Tokyo-based Space One’s 18-metre Kairos rocket blasted off from the company’s launch pad in the Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite, on Wednesday.
Seconds later the solid-fuelled rocket exploded in flames, sending smoke billowing into the remote mountainous area, live footage showed. “The launch of the first Kairos rocket was executed, but we took a measure to abort the flight,” Space One said in a statement, adding that “details are being investigated”.
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Burning debris fell on to the surrounding slopes as sprinklers began spraying water. Hundreds of spectators had gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront. “I had high hopes for this, so I’m disappointed. I want to know what happened,” one elderly man told public broadcaster NHK.
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