A rocket carrying a communications satellite exploded on Tuesday during lift-off from a converted oil rig in the Pacific Ocean. (Photo: ce.cn)

A rocket carrying a communications satellite exploded on Tuesday during lift-off from a converted oil rig in the Pacific Ocean.

Sea Launch, the operator of the Zenit rocket, said no one was hurt in the explosion and that it would launch an inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.

The Zenit rocket was fully fueled with kerosene and liquid oxygen when it blew up. The extent of the damage to the launch platform remains unknown.

The Boeing-built NSS-8 satellite, equipped with nearly 100 transponders for high-speed internet, broadcasting and other services, was destroyed in the blast.

The commercial satellite, owned by SES New Skies of the Netherlands, was insured and was to be used to provide services for countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Asia, Sea Launch said.

SES New Skies said in a statement that it was not prepared to comment on potential causes of the failed lift-off and was awaiting the results of the investigation.

SES New Skies, a unit of European satellite giant SES Global, has five other satellites in orbit and another being built.

Editor: Donald