[WATCH] Japan's Space One's Kairos Rocket Explodes in Dramatic Launch Mishap

John Lopez, Tech Times 13 March 2024, 06:03 am

Japan's aspirations for space exploration faced another setback on Wednesday when Space One's Kairos rocket exploded during its inaugural flight.

JAPAN-SPACE-ROCKET-SATELLITE — Visitors look on as smoke rises from behind a hill after a small rocket by Tokyo-based startup Space One exploded upon take-off at the Spaceport Kii site in Kushimoto, Wakayama prefecture, on March 13, 2024. A rocket made by a Japanese startup exploded just after launch on March 13 when the company aborted its attempt to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit. (Photo by JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT )

Japan Rocket Explodes in Launch Mishap

Reports tell us that the small, solid-fueled rocket, aiming to become the first Japanese company to deploy a satellite into orbit, met a dramatic end just seconds after liftoff from the Kii peninsula in western Japan.

The explosion, which occurred at approximately 11:01 a.m. local time, left behind a cloud of smoke, rocket fragments, and firefighting efforts near the launch site.

While the cause of the explosion remains unknown, there were no immediate reports of injuries. The rocket, developed by Space One, was designed to carry an experimental government satellite capable of temporarily replacing intelligence satellites in orbit if necessary.

Space One's Launch Hopes

Space One, established in 2018 by a consortium of Japanese companies and banks, including Canon Electronics, IHI, Shimizu, and the Development Bank of Japan, had high hopes for the Kairos rocket. Despite facing multiple delays before the launch attempt, with orders already filled for subsequent missions, the failure represents a significant setback for the company's ambitions.

Shares in Canon Electronics fell sharply following the failed launch, indicating the financial impact of the mishap. However, Space One remains determined, with plans to offer "space courier services" to domestic and international clients, aiming for an ambitious launch rate of 20 rockets per year by the late 2020s.

The explosion of the Kairos rocket highlights the challenges faced by Japan in revitalizing its aerospace industry to compete with global players. Despite setbacks, Japan has been actively partnering with the United States to bolster its capabilities, particularly in the face of technological and military competition from China and Russia.

Recent successes, such as the launch of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) flagship rocket, the second H3, demonstrate progress in the country's space endeavors. However, setbacks, including previous failures of the first H3 and other rockets, underscore the complexities involved in space exploration.

What's Next?

In response to the explosion, Japan's defense ministry announced a partnership with Space One to enhance rocket payloads through experiments with fuel-efficient methane engines.

This collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to support and advance Japan's space capabilities, particularly in areas critical to national security.

Speaking to the press, Space One's president, Masakazu Toyoda, emphasized the importance of perseverance in the face of failure, drawing parallels with the early challenges faced by other companies like Rocket Lab. Despite the setback, Space One remains committed to its mission, viewing each trial as an opportunity for learning and improvement.

As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the future of Japan's space ambitions hangs in the balance.

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