Japan Private Rocket Explodes Just After Launch

Visitors look on as smoke rises from behind a hill after a small rocket by Tokyo-based startup Space One exploded upon take-off, at the Spaceport Kili site in Kushimoto, Wakayama prefecture, on March 13, 2024.

A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded just after launch on Wednesday, with public broadcaster NHK showing footage of the fiery failure.