Japan's first private sector rocket launch attempt ended with an explosion shortly after takeoff

Category : Science and Tech Published on: March 16 2024

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Japan's first private-sector rocket launch attempt, carried out by Tokyo-based Space One, ended in failure with the rocket exploding shortly after takeoff. The rocket, named Kairos, was intended to put a satellite into orbit but exploded midair within seconds of liftoff.
Despite the dramatic explosion, there were no reports of injuries or significant damage to the surrounding area. Efforts were made to control the resulting blaze caused by the explosion, and the fire department in Kushimoto city confirmed that the fire was brought under control.
The launch of the Kairos rocket had faced multiple delays, with the latest postponement attributed to the presence of a ship in a risk area. If successful, Space One would have been the first private company in Japan to achieve orbit with a rocket. This failure highlights the challenges and risks associated with private-sector space exploration endeavors.