Japan’s second attempt to launch its next-generation H3 rocket has failed, dealing a blow to the country’s space and national security programmes. 

The ¥200bn (£1.2bn) rocket self-destructed under officials' orders after the vehicle’s second-stage engine failed to ignite moments after lift-off.

The launch was meant to showcase Japan’s first new rocket in more than 20 years. Powered by a new simpler and lower-cost engine that was partly 3D-printed, the H3 rocket had been hailed as a possible competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. 

Video footage of the launch showed clouds of smoke billowing as the 57-metre (187 feet) rocket lifted off without a hitch from the Tanegashima spaceport. However seven minutes into the flight, launch commentators noted that the rocket's velocity was falling.

Shortly after, mission officials confirmed they had destroyed the vehicle.

“It was decided the rocket could not complete its mission, so the destruct command was sent...