A rocket carrying a communication satellite exploded just after lift-off today in the second launch failure for India's space agency this year.

The rocket exploded in the first stage after it launched from the Sriharikota space centre. It was carrying a GSAT-5P satellite into orbit.

In April, a rocket on a developmental flight plunged into the Bay of Bengal.

Yashpal, a retired Indian scientist and independent commentator, said other countries have experienced such failures.

"I hope it's just one of those things," Yashpal, who uses just one name, told reporters.

India is planning its first manned space flight in 2016.

An Indian satellite launched in 2008 to orbit the moon was abandoned last year after communication links were cut off and scientists lost control of the satellite.

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