Space One Rocket Aborts Flight During Second Launch Attempt

Japanese startup Space One has experienced a setback in its quest to become Japan's first private company to orbit a satellite, with its latest rocket launch ending in an abort, reports Nikkei Asia. The failure marks the second such incident for the company this year.

The 18-meter long Kairos No. 2 rocket, utilizing solid fuel, lifted off from Space Port Kii in Wakayama Prefecture on Wednesday. However, Space One announced that the flight was terminated approximately 20 minutes after liftoff.

Despite successfully separating the first stage and payload fairing from the second stage, the company made the decision to "discontinue the flight." The Japan Coast Guard has reported no immediate injuries from any rocket debris falling into the sea.

The launch, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed twice due to strong winds. The rocket was carrying five satellites belonging to entities including the Taiwan Space Agency and Japanese firms Space Cubics LLC and Terra Space Inc. A successful deployment would have significantly advanced Japan's ambitions in the burgeoning global space sector.

This latest failure echoes the company's first attempt in March, where the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff following a self-destruct command. Space One attributed that incident to an error in calculating rocket propulsion.

Space One, established in 2018 by Canon Electronics Inc., IHI Aerospace Co., and other entities, aims to revolutionize space delivery services by offering frequent, low-cost launches. The company, which also operates Space Port Kii, is targeting the fastest turnaround times globally, aiming for launches within a year of contract finalization. Their long-term goal is to achieve 30 launches annually by the 2030s.