TOKYO—A commercial rocket trying to put a satellite into orbit was intentionally exploded shortly after liftoff Wednesday morning in central Japan following a problem that’s still under investigation.
Space One was aiming to be Japan’s first private sector success at putting a satellite into orbit.
Online video showed the Kairos rocket blasting off in a mountainous area filled with trees then exploding five seconds later. A huge plume of smoke engulfed the area, and flames shot up in some spots. Spurts of water were shown trying to put out the blaze.
Live footage on public broadcaster NHK showed debris scattering from the sky and later charred pieces were shown strewn about on the ground....
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