Japanese Rocket Fails

A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded seconds after launch, in a spectacular failure for the startup's bid to put a satellite into orbit.

Tokyo-based Space One's 18-meter Kairos rocket blasted off from the company's own launch pad in the Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite.

But seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket erupted into balls of flame, 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".

Burning debris fell onto the surrounding slopes as sprinklers began spraying water in dramatic scenes watched by hundreds of spectators young and old gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront.

The fiery failure marks a blow to Japan's efforts to enter the potentially lucrative satellite-launch market.

The government wants to assess if it can quickly launch using private firms small satellites when and if its existing satellites are gathering intelligence, including on North Korea's missile activities.

Success would have given insight into the feasibility of such programmes.

The plan had been for Kairos -- an ancient Greek word meaning "the right moment" -- to put the satellite into orbit around 51 minutes after take-off.

Parts shortages and other problems had reportedly led Space One to postpone the launch of Kairos five times before the attempt.

Space One was established in 2018 by a team of major Japanese tech businesses, including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction firm Shimizu and the government-owned Development Bank of Japan.

Last July another Japanese rocket engine exploded during a test around 50 seconds after ignition.