Japanese startup Space One fails to launch rocket for 2nd time

The Japanese startup Space One Co. on Wednesday has once again faced challenges with the launch of its Kairos No. 2 rocket, marking another setback in its quest to become the first private firm in the country capable of placing satellites into orbit, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

The 18-meter-long rocket lifted off from the Space Port Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, but was forced to abort its flight approximately 20 minutes after launch. The company reported that the mission was halted after the successful separation of the first stage and the payload fairing.

This marks the second consecutive failed launch following the explosion of the first Kairos rocket in March. That incident was attributed to errors in calculating rocket propulsion. No reports of injuries or damage from falling fragments have been received.

The rocket was intended to carry five satellites into orbit, including those owned by the Taiwan Space Agency and Japanese firms Space Cubics LLC and Terra Space Inc. The launch, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed twice due to strong winds.

Founded in 2018 through a partnership with Canon Electronics Inc., IHI Aerospace Co., and other entities, Space One aims to reduce the cost of space launches and establish regular commercial space delivery services.

The company, which operates the Space Port Kii facility, plans to streamline launch preparations to complete them within a year of signing a contract. By the 2030s, Space One is targeting 30 rocket launches per year.