Japan's space agency says it failed to launch a mini rocket carrying a satellite into space due to failure of the communications systems.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) says in a statement it fired the SS-520 rocket on Sunday morning at its Uchinoura Space Centre in southern Japan.
JAXA says it was unable to receive data from the rocket, which fell back to earth in a spot it expected.
The rocket, about 10 metres long and 50 centimeters in diameter, was carrying a small satellite to take images of the earth and gather other data.
The first stage of the rocket launch was carried out but not the second, after communication problems were discovered, JAXA's spokeswoman told Reuters.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The space agency had postponed the launch of the rocket on January 11 due to strong wind.
