A business rocket attempting to become the first Japanese rocket to successfully launch a satellite into orbit explodes immediately after takeoff.

March 13, 2024 Benjamin Hughes

A commercial spacecraft launched from central Japan on Wednesday morning in an attempt to place a satellite into orbit. However, due to an ongoing issue that is being investigated, the rocket was deliberately destroyed shortly after liftoff.

Space One intended to achieve the title of being Japan’s inaugural private entity to successfully launch a satellite into orbit.

A video posted on the internet depicted the launch of the Kairos rocket in a mountainous region surrounded by trees. Shortly after liftoff, the rocket burst into flames and disintegrated. Thick smoke engulfed the surrounding area and flames could be seen in various locations. Attempts were made to extinguish the fire with bursts of water.

Japan's Space One's small, solid-fueled Kairos rocket exploded shortly after its inaugural launch in Kushimoto town, Wakayama prefecture — On March 13, 2024, a photo taken by Kyodo captured the aftermath of Japan’s Space One’s first launch of the Kairos rocket. The solid-fueled rocket exploded shortly after taking off from the launching pad located on the Kii peninsula in Kushimoto town, Wakayama prefecture. The photo shows smoke rising from the site.

Kyodo via REUTERS

Live footage aired on NHK, a public broadcasting network, displayed fragments falling from the sky and later revealed burned debris scattered on the ground.

North Korea.

However, one of the primary objectives of this project was to help Japan regain ground in rocket launches, as they have fallen behind the U.S. and China in recent years. The launch has faced multiple delays.

Toyoda and other executives emphasized that success in space travel often comes after many unsuccessful attempts. He even refrained from labeling the cancelled launch as a failure and chose not to disclose the expenses or timeline for the investigation.

Space One, headquartered in Tokyo, was established in 2018 thanks to investments from prominent Japanese corporations such as Canon Electronics, IHI, Shimizu, and major banks. The company aims to eventually provide space-related services and travel opportunities.

The primary focus of Japan’s space exploration initiatives has been on…

The government, led by JAXA.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has created a range of rockets.

Launched a vessel to the lunar surface.

and retrieved samples from an asteroid for further study.

Japanese businesses are striving to play a bigger role in the expanding international space sector, demonstrated by their ventures overseas such as Elon Musk’s Space X.

Source: cbsnews.com