Tokyo : Japan’s Space One terminated the flight of its Kairos rocket shortly after liftoff, marking the end of its second attempt in nine months to become the first Japanese company to deliver a satellite to space using a privately developed rocket.
Space One reported that the flight lasted only about ten minutes before being terminated, as completing its mission became unfeasible.
Images released by Wakayama Prefecture’s government showed the 18 metre solid-propellant rocket launching from the Kii Spaceport in western Japan but losing stability and veering off its trajectory during ascent.
The company stated that it is investigating the incident and will provide updates in a press conference later today.
Tokyo based Space One was established in 2018 by Canon Electronics, IHI’s aerospace unit, Shimizu Corporation, and a state backed bank. The company aims to launch 20 small rockets annually by 2029 to meet growing demand for satellite launches.
In March, the Kairos rocket exploded during its debut flight, carrying a Japanese government satellite, just five seconds after launch.
