Kushimoto, Japan – A Japanese company’s attempt to launch a rocket to put a satellite into orbit ended in disaster as the rocket exploded just seconds after liftoff. The Tokyo-based Space One’s 18-meter Kairos rocket took off from the company’s launch pad in the Wakayama region of western Japan on Wednesday, carrying a small government test satellite.
Witnesses saw the solid-fuelled rocket explode in flames, sending smoke into the remote mountainous area. Space One stated that they had executed the launch but had to abort the flight, with investigations ongoing to determine the cause of the failure. Debris from the rocket fell on the surrounding slopes, prompting sprinklers to spray water as onlookers expressed disappointment and curiosity about what went wrong.
Frequent failures on early rocket launch attempts are not uncommon in the industry, as demonstrated by past experiences with companies like SpaceX. However, the setback for Space One represents a blow to Japan’s aspirations in the commercial satellite launch market. The launch of the Kairos rocket had been postponed five times due to parts shortages and other issues, indicating the challenges faced in such endeavors.
The mayor of Kushimoto, where the launch occurred, expressed surprise and disappointment over the failed launch. Despite the setback, he affirmed the town’s continued support for Space One and its commitment to assisting in future successes. Space One, founded in 2018 by a consortium of major Japanese tech businesses, had aimed to establish a foothold in the competitive space industry.
This recent failed launch contrasted with Japan’s recent successes in space exploration, such as the smooth blast-off of the new flagship rocket, the H3. While setbacks like the Kairos explosion highlight the risks and complexities involved in rocket launches, they also provide valuable data to inform future improvements and innovations in the field. As Space One regroups to investigate the cause of the failure, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenging nature of space technology development.