(Cupventi.com) – In a significant setback for Japan’s burgeoning space industry, Space One’s debut launch of its Kairos rocket ended in an unexpected explosion shortly after takeoff. This incident occurred on a Wednesday morning, marking a disappointing moment for the company’s ambition to become the first Japanese entity to successfully place a satellite into orbit.
The Kairos rocket, a 59-foot, solid-fueled construct comprising four stages, met its demise seconds post-launch, leading to a vivid display of smoke, fire, and debris around the launch site. This spectacle was captured live by local media from the Kii peninsula’s mountainous tip in western Japan.
The company quickly communicated that the flight was abruptly halted post-launch and launched an investigation into the mishap. Initial reports did not mention any injuries, which aligns with the standard practice of keeping launch pads clear of personnel during such operations.
Space One has highlighted the high degree of automation involved in their launch process, necessitating the presence of only about a dozen staff members in the ground control center. Notably, the Kairos rocket was carrying an experimental government satellite designed to serve as a temporary substitute for intelligence satellites, should they encounter issues in orbit.
The launch, initially slated for a Saturday, faced a delay due to the intrusion of a ship into the restricted maritime zone near the launch area. Despite being a relatively minor player on the global space stage, Japan’s rocket development firms are fiercely competing to create more cost-effective launch solutions. This effort is driven by the growing demand for satellite launches, both from within the country and from international customers.
Space One, established in 2018 through a consortium that includes Canon Electronics, the aerospace engineering division of IHI, construction company Shimizu, and the Development Bank of Japan, supported by substantial investments from major Japanese banks Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho, exemplifies this push. However, the failed launch led to a significant drop in Canon Electronics’ stock value, shedding light on the high stakes involved in space exploration ventures.
Aiming to establish itself as a provider of “space courier services,” Space One has ambitious plans to conduct up to 20 rocket launches annually by the late 2020s, as stated by its president, Masakazu Toyoda. Despite the setback with Kairos’s first launch, which was postponed four times, the company reports that slots for its subsequent two missions are already fully booked, indicating continued interest from both domestic and international clients.
Space One’s quest for affordability in space launches positions it in direct competition with American firms like Rocket Lab, which has successfully executed over 40 launches of its Electron rockets since 2017, each costing approximately $7 million. Japanese entities, including satellite and space mission companies, have utilized Rocket Lab’s services, underscoring the international dimension of the space launch market.
The Japanese space sector is also buoyed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which recently launched its H3 rocket, signaling a move towards more cost-efficient space missions. JAXA’s achievements, including a precision moon landing and plans for extensive satellite deployments by 2030, highlight Japan’s advancing capabilities in space exploration.
Historically, Japan’s private sector has engaged in space endeavors, with Interstellar Technologies conducting the country’s first privately developed rocket launch in 2019, albeit without a full-scale satellite. In a broader strategic context, Japan’s collaboration with the United States in aerospace ventures reflects a concerted effort to enhance technological and defense capabilities in response to challenges from China and Russia.
The Japanese government’s pledge to offer comprehensive support to space startups underscores the strategic importance of space technology for national security. This includes initiatives to develop satellite constellations for improved intelligence gathering.
Additionally, a recent agreement between the defense ministry and Space One to explore more fuel-efficient methane engines for rockets signals ongoing innovation in Japan’s space technology sector, despite the setbacks experienced.