Science Space One Kairos rocket explodes on inaugural launch

[thomas]

Japan's Space One attempted to make history by launching its small, solid-fueled Kairos rocket as the first Japanese company to put a satellite into orbit. However, shortly after its inaugural liftoff, the 18-metre, four-stage solid-fuel rocket exploded at 11:01 a.m. (0201 GMT). The explosion left behind a plume of smoke, fire, and rocket fragments near the launch pad on the mountainous Kii Peninsula in western Japan. Space One reported that the flight was "interrupted" and is investigating the cause. Fortunately, there were no immediate indications of injuries. Launching is highly automated, with minimal personnel near the pads during liftoff. The Kairos rocket carried an experimental government satellite capable of temporarily replacing intelligence satellites in orbit if they malfunction.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/japans-space-one-counts-down-inaugural-kairos-rocket-launch-2024-03-12/

Space One rocket explodes after liftoff from Japan private launch pad - The Mainichi

WAKAYAMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Space One Co. satellite-carrying rocket appears to have exploded Wednesday shortly after liftoff from a spaceport in west

mainichi.jp

Japan's Space One rocket explodes shortly after launch

The firm's solid-fuel Kairos rocket burst into flames just seconds after liftoff, in a major setback for Japan’s space development aspirations.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[thomas]

Launch video:

 

[thomas]

Sadly, Japan's Space One's Kairos rocket fails again!

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Japanese startup Space One rocket self-destructs in 2nd failed launch

Japanese startup Space One Co. had a rocket fail during a launch for the second time, dealing a blow to the company's hopes of becoming the first private firm in the country to put a satellite into orbit.

english.kyodonews.net

 

[Mansoor]

Such events is unavoidable in the space activities field, due to an occasional small mistake in calculation or technical assemblies.

The video shows, the explosion happened in the middle of the rocket's fuselage, not in its engine or outlet. Most likely, an unwanted reaction in the fuel compartment or a failure in its control system.