Space One’s Japanese solid-fuel rocket, Kairos, faced a major setback as it exploded just seconds into its inaugural launch. The rocket was carrying an experimental government satellite that was intended to temporarily replace intelligence satellites.
The incident occurred despite Space One’s careful planning, as the company had postponed the launch initially scheduled for Saturday due to a ship entering the restricted area. The rocket, designed to carry payloads of up to 550 pounds, was meant to be highly automated for cost-effective space launches.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported near the launch site as Space One quickly terminated the flight and announced that they are currently investigating the situation. This marks the latest setback in Japan’s space ambitions, with previous mishaps including an explosion during a test and a self-destruction order on a debut flight.
Space One, founded in 2018 by incorporating several companies, aimed to revolutionize space launches by providing affordable services. Despite setbacks like the recent explosion, Japan has also seen successes in space exploration, such as landing its first lunar probe on the moon in January.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks associated with space exploration, as companies and countries strive to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. Stay tuned for updates on the investigation into the explosion of the Kairos rocket as Space One works to address the issues and continue with their mission.
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