Japan’s space agency has aborted for the second time the launch of its new flagship H3 rocket.
The H3 rocket was carrying an observation satellite fitted with an experimental infrared sensor that could detect missile launches.
Concerns about the launch began after the countdown had started; when the Jaxa live stream began to show white smoke filling the site, located at the Tanegashima Space Centre in southern Japan.
The launch was meant to showcase Japan's first new rocket in more than 20 years. However, the agency was forced to abort the mission after its auxiliary booster rockets failed to ignite. It marks the second failed launch in Japan's space programme in just four months.
“I know many people were waiting for and looking forward to this day. I’m so sorry and I feel extremely regretful and frustrated myself,” Jaxa mission manager Masashi Okada said at a news conference.
Okada said the ignition of the main SE-9 engine was successful, but...