Space One’s Kairos rocket burst shortly after lifting off from the hilly Kii peninsula in western Japan, attempting to become the country’s first corporation to deliver a satellite into orbit.
According to The Sun, seconds after Space One’s failed launch, the 59-foot rocket emitted massive plumes of smoke and burning debris above the mountains.
The firm’s botched initial launch was captured in stunning film, with smoke engulfing the sky and spurts of water desperately attempting to extinguish the fire.
According to company president Masakazu Toyoda, “the rocket terminated the flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult.”
