Tokyo : Japan’s space agency aborted an engine test for the Epsilon S rocket on Tuesday following a fire at the test site, a failure that could push the rocket’s debut launch beyond the March-end target and cause further delays in the national space programme.
An explosion could be heard and a blaze could be seen shortly after the ground combustion test started at the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, according to footage from public broadcaster NHK.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the engine test encountered a “combustion abnormality” 49 seconds after the ignition.
It said there was no indication of injury or damage to the outside facility.
