A Japanese Space One rocket met a devastating fate as it exploded mere moments after liftoff. The ill-fated launch took place from the Wakayama region in western Japan on Wednesday, with the company's launchpad rocket meeting a catastrophic end shortly after takeoff.

The rocket in question, an 18-meter-long vehicle named Kairos, was tasked with the crucial mission of deploying a satellite into orbit. The explosion, captured in live footage, occurred just seconds after liftoff, engulfing the remote mountainous area in plumes of smoke.

British media outlet The Guardian reported the incident, shedding light on the dramatic turn of events witnessed during the launch attempt. In a statement issued following the explosion, Space One acknowledged the failure, stating, "The launch of the first Kairos rocket was completed," but added, "We took an action to cancel the flight." The company also confirmed that a detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Debris from the explosion was scattered over the surrounding water, adding to the spectacle witnessed by hundreds of onlookers who had gathered in nearby areas in anticipation of the historic launch. Expressing disappointment over the turn of events, one elderly man lamented, "I was more excited about it... So I'm disappointed. I want to know what happened."

While failures during initial attempts to launch new rocket systems are not uncommon, the setback dealt a significant blow to Japan's aspirations of entering the lucrative commercial satellite launch market. The Kairos mission was poised to play a pivotal role in Japan's efforts, scheduled to place the satellite into orbit approximately 51 minutes after liftoff. However, Space One faced numerous setbacks leading up to the launch, including parts shortages and technical issues, resulting in five postponements of the Kairos launch.

Established in 2018, Space One was founded by a consortium of Japanese technology business leaders, including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction company Shimizu, and the state-owned Development Bank of Japan. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to advancing Japan's capabilities in space exploration and satellite deployment.