Failed Rocket Launch...


On August 22, 2003, a massive explosion destroyed a VLS-1 missile…



…of the Brazilian space agency Agência Espacial Brasileira (AEB) on the launch table at Alcântara Air Force Base in northern Brazil.





21 people are killed when one of the VLS-1's four engines accidentally ignites, detonating the entire rocket.



The explosion causes a fire in the surrounding jungle and creates a large plume of smoke that can be seen from afar...:





Here the starting area before...



...and after the catastrophe...:



It was the third attempt by the Brazilians to launch a rocket of their own design into orbit. Only on October 23, 2004 will the first successful rocket launch succeed...