The private rocket launch turned into a disappoinntment for Japan’s burgeoning private space industry as Space One, a Tokyo-based startup, witnessed its inaugural rocket launch end in a catastrophic explosion just seconds after liftoff. The 18-meter, 23-tonne Kairos rocket, equipped with a small government test satellite, lifted off from the company’s launch site at the Space Port Kii in the Wakayama area of western Japan.
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Japan’s First Private Rocket Launch Ends in Fiery Explosion Seconds After Liftoff
The dramatic moment when the solid-fueled rocket erupted in flames was captured on a live broadcast, prompting Space One to intentionally terminate the mission. “A mid-flight termination procedure was carried out. We are looking into the situation,” the company stated, without providing a clear indication of what had triggered the explosion.
Dashed Hopes of Becoming a Space Pioneer
If successful, Space One would have become the first Japanese private venture to place a satellite into orbit, marking a significant milestone for the country’s commercial space industry. The 100-kilogram intelligence satellite was scheduled to be placed into orbit around 500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface about 51 minutes after launch, serving as a temporary backup for current satellites during technical difficulties.
Ambitious Goals and Industry Impact
Founded in 2018, Space One aims to cater to the growing space market by offering low-cost commercial launch services to governments and worldwide clients. The company has set an ambitious goal of delivering “space courier services,” providing the shortest time frame between order and launch, with plans to launch 20 rockets each year by the late 2020s.
The launch failure sent shockwaves through the industry, with shares of Japan’s Canon Electronics, a consortium member of Space One, plummeting 12.7% on Wednesday following the incident.
Perseverance and Support from Local Community
Despite the setback, the local community remains supportive of the rocket program. Katsumasa Tashima, mayor of Kushimoto, expressed his disappointment but affirmed his continued support, stating, “The rocket program is part of an effort to develop our town. We will continue to support the project so that the rocket will reach the sky as early as possible.”
As Space One investigates the cause of the explosion and works to recover from this setback, the launch failure serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in the pursuit of space exploration. Yet, with perseverance and continued support from industry partners and local communities, Japan’s private space industry remains poised to reach new heights in the years to come.
