Local media reported that on Wednesday, Japanese private company Space One’s maiden rocket launch failed as its satellite-carrying rocket exploded following the lift-off.
Space One, a Japanese company, faced a setback as its Kairos rocket exploded shortly after its launch, marking Japan’s first private-sector rocket launch. The 18-meter solid-fuel rocket exploded midair in the Wakayama region with no reported injuries.
The rocket was carrying a government satellite, and the company is investigating the cause of the failure.
Despite the setback, Space One plans to continue its mission of providing “space courier services” and launch 20 rockets annually by the late 2020s.
The company, founded in 2018 by a Japanese consortium, including Canon Electronics and IHI Aerospace, received support from the local government and vowed to persist despite the failed launch.
The incident highlights Japan’s aerospace industry’s efforts to capture a share of the satellite launch market. Space One’s failure comes after Japan’s space agency, JAXA, faced delays and two failed attempts with its new flagship rocket, the H3.
The country’s aerospace industry strives to develop cost-efficient rockets to meet government and international clients’ increasing demand for satellite launches.
The mayor of Kushimoto expressed disappointment over the failed launch but pledged continued support for Space One. The company had faced delays leading up to the launch, with the inaugural launch window being postponed four times.
Despite the setback, Space One remains committed to becoming a key player in the satellite launch industry.
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