Japan’s Space One postpones Kairos rocket launch again

A startup aiming to become Japan’s first private company to put a satellite into orbit has postponed its rocket launch scheduled for a second day on Sunday after its first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion.

Tokyo-based Space One had originally scheduled the launch of its Kairos rocket for Saturday at 11 a.m. (2 p.m. Japan time), but the launch was postponed by 24 hours due to strong winds.

Space One executive Kozo Abe told reporters Sunday’s launch had been postponed again due to similar weather conditions.

“As was the case yesterday, we judged that the high-level wind conditions above the launch pad were undesirable, so we decided to postpone the launch,” he said at a press conference.

He said the company is in talks with authorities to set a new launch time, which SpaceOne hopes will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

In March, the solid-fuel Kairos carrying the government’s small test satellite was launched for the first time from the Space One launch pad known as Spaceport Kii.

But seconds later, a technical problem was detected and the 18-meter (60-foot) rocket was ordered to self-destruct.

Flames erupted and white smoke filled the remote mountainous area.

Hundreds of spectators gathered in public viewing areas near the waterfront to witness the dramatic scene.

For the second launch, the rocket was scheduled to carry five satellites, including one from the Taiwan Space Administration and others designed by Japanese students and venture companies.

Space One was established in 2018 by major companies including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction company Shimizu, and the government-affiliated Development Bank of Japan.

The company hopes to establish itself in a competitive international field by quickly launching small rockets for companies looking to launch satellites into space.

© 2024 AFP