A Japanese-made rocket engine exploded during a test at a space base on the island of Tanegashima in southern Japan on Tuesday.
There are no reports of personal injuries in connection with the incident, which constitutes the latest mishap for the country's ambitious space program.
Images show smoke and fireballs from the journalists' vantage point at a safe distance.
This is the second time the Epsilon S engine type has exploded during a test, according to the Kyodo news agency. Last time, last year, the accident was caused by a melted metal piece.
The engine is intended to improve Japan's position on the satellite market.
