Sao Paulo: A rocket undergoing final pre-launch tests exploded on its launch pad in North Eastern Brazil, killing 16 people and destroying a research satellite, Brazil's Defence Minister said.

Jose Veigas Filho, speaking in Brasilia, confirmed the explosion and the fatalities at the rocket base on August 22, but could not provide more details.

Globo television showed footage of a plume of smoke rising into the sky over the seaside Alcantara Launch Center near Sao Luis. The explosion destroyed the VLS-3 rocket.

The explosion dealt the worst blow so far to Brazil and its effort to become the first Latin American nation to put a rocket in space.

The 6.5 million Real ($ 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.

The Brazilian Air Force said in a statement there was no damage outside the launching area.

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

A rocket launched in November 1997 crashed in the Atlantic Ocean after suffering engine problems shortly after blast off.

In December 1999, another Brazilian rocket developed problems and failed three minutes after takeoff. Officials remotely destroyed the rocket.

Agencies