Russian space rocket breaks apart after launch

(CNN) -- A Russian Proton-M rocket carrying an advanced communication satellite has disintegrated in the atmosphere, Russian state news agency ITAR-Tass reported, citing a space agency official.

"Some small fragments of the rocket could fall onto Earth. An impact area is being ascertained," #Russia's Federal Space Agency told the news outlet. Last year, an unmanned Proton rocket exploded after liftoff over Kazakhstan.

In 2010, another Proton-M #rocket carrying three satellites crashed in the Pacific Ocean.

And in 1999, a Proton rocket exploded six minutes after liftoff, destroying the rocket and its payload.
Source: CNN News