Summary:
Space One's second launch attempt fails after a malfunction during ascent.
The Kairos No. 2 rocket was designed to carry five small satellites.
Launch was delayed multiple times due to strong winds.
Features an autonomous flight safety system for flight monitoring.
Previous launch in March resulted in an explosion just after liftoff.
Space One's Setback in Satellite Launch
Tokyo-based startup Space One faced another setback in its quest to become the first private Japanese company to successfully place a satellite into orbit, as their Kairos No. 2 rocket launch ended in failure on Wednesday. This launch was critical for Japan's aspirations in space development.
The 18-meter, 23-ton solid-fuel rocket was launched from a newly established space facility in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture at around 11 a.m. Unfortunately, a malfunction occurred during ascent, leading to the launch's failure. Space One is currently investigating the details surrounding this incident.
Previous Delays and Failures
This failure follows a series of challenges, including two postponements due to strong winds. The initial launch was scheduled for Saturday, but weather conditions forced delays. The rocket was designed to carry five small satellites, including payloads from Taiwan's space agency, a Kyoto-based startup, and even high school students from Hiroo Gakuen in Tokyo.
Features of the Kairos Rocket
A standout feature of the Kairos rocket is its "autonomous flight safety system", which tracks the flight path, speed, and rocket condition. If any abnormalities are detected, the system can interrupt the flight and initiate a self-destruction mechanism to prevent deviations from the planned range. This marks it as the first Japanese rocket to incorporate such a feature.
Despite being smaller than Japan's next-generation flagship Epsilon S rocket, the Kairos is designed for lower costs and quicker launch preparations.
Previous Launch Failure
In March, the Kairos No. 1 rocket also failed, exploding just five seconds after liftoff due to issues with its first stage, which led to the activation of the autonomous safety system. The startup had aimed to conduct its first launch in April 2021 but faced multiple delays due to supply chain issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Comments