This post is also available in:
简体中文 (Chinese)
Japan’s Space One planned to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite into orbit when its Kairos rocket exploded shortly after its first launch.
The rocket exploded seconds after liftoff, causing massive amounts of flames and smoke. There was no clear cause of the explosion or reports of casualties, and Space One said it was investigating.
The rocket carries a government experimental satellite that can replace intelligence satellites when they go offline. The company hopes to provide space express services and plans to launch 20 rockets per year by 2030.
Despite the failure, the company has completed its second and third launch orders. In terms of cost, Space One said it is competitive with U.S. rival Rocket Lab. Japan is working with the United States to revitalize its domestic aerospace industry to fend off competition from China and Russia.
(Source: Reuters Image source: freepik)
