On Camera, Japan's First Private Satellite Explodes Seconds After Launch

Burning debris was seen falling onto the surrounding mountain slopes as sprinklers began spraying water.

A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded just after launch on Wednesday, with public broadcaster NHK showing footage of the fiery failure. Ouch the first Kairos rocket in Japan just, exploded after about 5 seconds. 😬The launch site at first glance seems ok... I think. pic.twitter.com/mddZrPgJ1e

Tokyo-based startup Space One had been aiming to become the first Japanese private firm to successfully place a satellite into orbit.

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.