Japan's Space One Kairos Rocket Explodes on Inaugural Launch

Space One's small solid-fuel rocket, the 59-foot Kairos, exploded moments after its inaugural launch attempt at 11:01 am (0201 GMT) on Wednesday. The Japanese company aimed to make history by putting a satellite into orbit. The explosion occurred shortly after lift-off, releasing smoke, fire, and debris.

Video footage captured the rocket's brief flight from Wakayama Prefecture before it exploded in mid-air. Space One said that the launch was "interrupted" and that they were investigating the incident, with no immediate cause determined.

The explosion created a large smoke cloud, visible flames, and emergency responders were seen attempting to extinguish the fire.

According to Wakayama governor Shuhei Kishimoto, there were no injuries near the launch pad and the fire has been put out. Space One has confirmed that the launch process is highly automated and only requires a small team at the ground control center.

The rocket Kairos was carrying an experimental government satellite that can act as a temporary replacement for intelligence satellites in orbit if they malfunction.

The launch had faced multiple delays, with the most recent one occurring on Saturday due to a ship being spotted in a high-risk area, as reported by Japanese media.

If successful, Space One would have been the first private company to successfully launch a rocket into orbit.

Space One, based in Tokyo, was established in 2018 with investments from prominent Japanese companies such as Canon Electronics, IHI, Shimizu, and major banks.