Watch a Russian rocket explode shortly after take-off

YouTube/SpaceVids

Watch a Russian rocket explode shortly after take-off
(Image credit: YouTube/SpaceVids)

A Russian rocket launch into space didn't go exactly as planned. On Friday, a Proton-M rocket carrying communication satellites meant to provide internet access to remote areas of Russia exploded shortly after taking off from a base in Kazakhstan. Officials lost contact with the rocket 100 miles into its ascent, when it reportedly veered off path and disintegrated.

Several Russian television networks aired the launch live, so the whole incident was caught on camera. The European-built satellite that the rocket was carrying was worth $29 billion and the rocket was insured for $225 million. There were no injuries on the ground, reports Russia Today.

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Jordan Valinsky is the lead writer for Speed Reads. Before joining The Week, he wrote for New York Observer's tech blog, Betabeat, and tracked the intersection between popular culture and the internet for The Daily Dot. He graduated with a degree in online journalism from Ohio University.