Japan’s Space One Kairos Rocket Explodes during Debut Flight

Japan’s Space One suffers a setback as its Kairos rocket explodes shortly after liftoff in its debut launch, marking a disappointing start for the firm’s ambitions to place a satellite in orbit. The explosion occurred mere seconds after takeoff, leaving behind a cloud of smoke, fragments, and firefighting efforts at the launch site in western Japan’s Kii peninsula. Space One promptly terminated the flight and is currently investigating the incident. Governor Shuhei Kishimoto of the Wakayama government indicated that an issue triggered the flight-termination system, with no injuries reported. Despite this setback, Space One remains committed to its vision of providing “space courier services” and aims to launch 20 rockets annually by the late 2020s. Kairos, consisting of three stages of solid-fuel engines and a liquid-fuel post-boost stage engine, aims to carry payloads of up to 250 kg to low-Earth orbit. Japan’s efforts in aerospace, although facing challenges, reflect its aspirations to bolster its space industry to meet geopolitical challenges and enhance national security.