Japan space rocket explodes seconds after launch
A rocket made by a Japanese company exploded seconds after launch yesterday, in a spectacular failure for the start-up’s bid to put a satellite into orbit.
Tokyo-based Space One’s 18metre Kairos rocket blasted off in the coastal Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite.
But around five seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket erupted in fire, sending white smoke billowing around the remote mountainous area as orange flames raged on the ground, live footage showed.
Space One said it had taken the decision to “abort the flight” and details were being investigated.
“We want to accept this outcome in a forward-looking manner and embark on our next challenge,” company president Masakazu Toyoda told reporters, asserting that Space One does not use the term “failure”.
The firm wishes to “contribute to the expansion of space-related services” through successful satellite launches by its rockets in the future, he added.
Burning debris fell onto the surrounding slopes as sprinklers began spraying water, in dramatic scenes watched by hundreds of spectators gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront.
Private companies like Space
One are playing an increasingly important role in space exploration worldwide.
Space One is hoping to become Japan’s first private firm to put a satellite into orbit.
The plan had been for Kairos – an ancient Greek word meaning ‘the right moment’ – to do so around 51 minutes after take-off on Wednesday morning.
The launch had already reportedly been postponed five times due to parts shortages and other problems, most recently on Saturday.
Last July, another Japanese rocket engine, the solid-fuel Epsilon S, exploded during a test around 50 seconds after ignition.