Tokyo-based startup Space One had been aiming to become the first Japanese private firm to successfully place a satellite into orbit.Its 18m solid-fuel Kairos rocket blasted off from the startup’s own launch pad in Wakayama prefecture in western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite.
“The launch of the first Kairos rocket was executed, but we took a measure to abort the flight,” Space One said in a statement, adding that “details are being investigated”.The failure marks a blow to Japan’s efforts to enter the potentially lucrative satellite-launch market. Its testing site in the northern prefecture of Akita was engulfed in flames and a huge plume of grey smoke rose into the sky.
The H3 launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, sparking cheers and applause at Jaxa control centre.