Science Space One Kairos rocket explodes on inaugural launch

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.

Launch video:

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

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.