A Brazilian rocket exploded on its launch pad in northeastern Brazil on Friday killing at least 16 people.

A research satellite attached to the rocket was destroyed in the blast.

Brazil's Defence Minister Jose Veigas Filho confirmed the explosion and the fatalities but could not provide more details.

The $ 2.2 million rocket was scheduled to be sent into space next week carrying a research satellite developed by Brazil's National Space Research Institute.

It was Brazil's third failed attempt to send a rocket into space with a research satellite.

Agencies