Japan destroys new rocket in space after second-stage engine failure

The 187 ft tall H3 rocket had lifted off from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Tanegashima space port, following an aborted launch last month.

Japan said it had destroyed a new medium-lift rocket it launched into space on Tuesday after the vehicle’s second-stage engine failed to ignite, in a blow to its efforts to expand access to space and remain competitive in a launch market roiled by Elon Musk'’s SpaceX.