Japan private rocket explodes seconds after launch

An18-meter rocket carrying a small government test satellite made by a Japanese company exploded just after launch on Wednesday in Wakayama region of western Japan.

Tokyo-based startup had been aiming to become the first Japanese private firm to successfully place a satellite into orbit. After the launch, the rocket erupted into a ball of flame, with black smoke filling the launch pad area.Burning debris was seen falling onto the surrounding mountain slopes as sprinklers began spraying water.