Taiwan’s first test of a locally developed satellite launch vehicle failed on Wednesday after the rocket veered off course, terrifying nearby villagers who mistook it for an incoming missile. The rocket was launched at around 6am local time from the Jiupeng missile testing base in southern Pingtung county. The base is operated by the government-backed National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), Taiwan’s top weapons developer. Witnesses said the projectile climbed briefly before suddenly changing direction away from the sea and towards the mountains. “Something’s gone wrong! Oh no! The village!” residents could be heard shouting in video footage circulating online.

Full report : Taiwan-made satellite launcher fails first test, triggers missile panic.