Today's Edition
TOKYO (WAM)
A Space One Co. satellite-carrying rocket exploded Wednesday shortly after lift-off from a spaceport in western Japan, Kyodo News reported.
The company's 18-metre-long Kairos rocket failed in its launch from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan's first commercial launch site. It was announced shortly after that "flight termination measures" had been implemented.
Local firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Police said there have been no reports of casualties so far.
The rocket exploded in midair around five seconds after lift-off, as fragments believed to be from the projectile were scattered around the area, and the scene was blanketed by white smoke.
The government satellite that was on the rocket is believed to have been destroyed in the blast.
