Japanese solid-fuelled rocket explodes shortly after launch
A small Japanese rocket exploded shortly after launch in a blow to Tokyo-based startup Space One’s attempt to become the first local company to put a satellite into orbit.
The 18-metre (60 feet), four-stage solid-fuel rocket called Kairos exploded into pieces seconds after liftoff at 11.01am (02:01 GMT) on Tuesday, filling livestream screens with pictures of flames and billowing clouds of smoke.