Japan space rocket explodes seconds after launch

But around five seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket erupted in fire, sending white smoke billowing around the remote mountainous area as orange flames raged on the ground, live footage showed.

This frame grab taken on March 13, 2024 shows smoke rising after a small rocket by Tokyo-based startup Space One exploded upon take-off, at the Spaceport Kii site in Kushimoto, Wakayama prefecture. (AFP/WTV)