A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded just after launch on Wednesday, March 13, in Japan's Wakayama.<br /><br />Tokyo-based startup Space One had been aiming to become the first Japanese private firm to successfully place a satellite into orbit.<br /><br />Its 18-meter (60-foot) solid-fuel Kairos rocket blasted off from the startup's own launch pad in Wakayama prefecture in western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite. But seconds after the launch, the rocket erupted into a ball of flame, with black smoke filling the launch pad area.<br /><br />Burning debris was seen falling onto the surrounding mountain slopes as sprinklers began spraying water. (Video courtesy of NHK / AFPTV)<br /><br />Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin<br /><br />Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph<br />Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin <br />Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin<br />Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin<br />Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin<br /><br />#ManilaBulletinOnline<br />#ManilaBulletin<br />#LatestNews
