Space One, which is aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Wednesday (Dec 18) said that its latest launch attempt for its rocket KAIROS has failed.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Space One in a statement said that the rocket terminated its flight.

"Kairos was launched... but the rocket terminated its flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," it said. The company also said that the details were under investigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVsIWAt7CKAxUi3TQHHa2OLs8QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-private-rocket-firm-space-one-halts-second-launch-attempt-minutes-before-liftoff-783905" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff</a>

According to AFP news agency, television footage of the launch showed the slim white colour rocket blasting off and soaring to the skies before spiralling downwards in the distance.

There was no dramatic blast.

Watch video here:

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Video: Japanese startup company Space One's Kairos No. 2 rocket launch ended in failure today. The company announced after liftoff that it determined continued flight was not feasible so they initiated "flight termination measures."<a href="https://t.co/SbDOHjhMwS">pic.twitter.com/SbDOHjhMwS</a> <a href="https://t.co/0QITL0Ou3U">https://t.co/0QITL0Ou3U</a>
— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjeffu/status/1869209336863695112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This was the company's second failed launch attempt. In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures.&nbsp;

<h2>Kairos' failures to launch</h2>

Previously, in March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot)&nbsp;solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad.&nbsp;However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames with hundreds of spectators gathered&nbsp;nearby witnessing the dramatic scene.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVsIWAt7CKAxUi3TQHHa2OLs8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-firm-space-ones-kairos-rocket-launch-delayed-for-third-time-amid-weather-woes-784071" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes</a>

Along with the two failed attempts, Space One's Kairos also has two postponements.

The Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama on Saturday (Dec 13). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday, only for the launch to be called off again.

(With inputs from agencies)

Space One, which is aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Wednesday (Dec 18) said that its latest launch attempt for its rocket KAIROS has failed.

Space One, which is aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Wednesday (Dec 18) said that its latest launch attempt for its rocket KAIROS has failed. What happened? Space One in a statement said that the rocket terminated its flight. "Kairos was launched... but the rocket terminated its flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," it said. The company also said that the details were under investigation. Also read | Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff According to AFP news agency, television footage of the launch showed the slim white colour rocket blasting off and soaring to the skies before spiralling downwards in the distance. There was no dramatic blast. Watch video here: Video: Japanese startup company Space One's Kairos No. 2 rocket launch ended in failure today. The company announced after liftoff that it determined continued flight was not feasible so they initiated "flight termination measures."pic.twitter.com/SbDOHjhMwS https://t.co/0QITL0Ou3U — Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) December 18, 2024 × This was the company's second failed launch attempt. In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Kairos' failures to launch Previously, in March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames with hundreds of spectators gathered nearby witnessing the dramatic scene. Also read | Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes Along with the two failed attempts, Space One's Kairos also has two postponements. The Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama on Saturday (Dec 13). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday, only for the launch to be called off again. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space firm's Kairos rocket fails again: Falls from sky in latest setback. Watch video here

Tokyo, Japan
Space One, which is aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Wednesday (Dec 18) said that its latest launch attempt for its rocket KAIROS has failed.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
Space One in a statement said that the rocket terminated its flight.
"Kairos was launched... but the rocket terminated its flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," it said. The company also said that the details were under investigation.
Also read | <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVsIWAt7CKAxUi3TQHHa2OLs8QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-private-rocket-firm-space-one-halts-second-launch-attempt-minutes-before-liftoff-783905" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff</a>
According to AFP news agency, television footage of the launch showed the slim white colour rocket blasting off and soaring to the skies before spiralling downwards in the distance.
There was no dramatic blast.
Watch video here:
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Video: Japanese startup company Space One's Kairos No. 2 rocket launch ended in failure today. The company announced after liftoff that it determined continued flight was not feasible so they initiated "flight termination measures."<a href="https://t.co/SbDOHjhMwS">pic.twitter.com/SbDOHjhMwS</a> <a href="https://t.co/0QITL0Ou3U">https://t.co/0QITL0Ou3U</a>
— Jeffrey J. Hall ???? (@mrjeffu) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrjeffu/status/1869209336863695112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This was the company's second failed launch attempt. In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. 
<h2>Kairos' failures to launch</h2>
Previously, in March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames with hundreds of spectators gathered nearby witnessing the dramatic scene.
Also read | <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVsIWAt7CKAxUi3TQHHa2OLs8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-firm-space-ones-kairos-rocket-launch-delayed-for-third-time-amid-weather-woes-784071" jsname="YKoRaf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes</a>
Along with the two failed attempts, Space One's Kairos also has two postponements.
The Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama on Saturday (Dec 13). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday, only for the launch to be called off again.
(With inputs from agencies)

"Kairos was launched... but the rocket terminated its flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," said Space One in a statement



Tokyo, Japan Space One, which is aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Wednesday (Dec 18) said that its latest launch attempt for its rocket KAIROS has failed. What happened? Space One in a statement said that the rocket terminated its flight. "Kairos was launched... but the rocket terminated its flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," it said. The company also said that the details were under investigation. Also read | Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff According to AFP news agency, television footage of the launch showed the slim white colour rocket blasting off and soaring to the skies before spiralling downwards in the distance. There was no dramatic blast. Watch video here: Video: Japanese startup company Space One's Kairos No. 2 rocket launch ended in failure today. The company announced after liftoff that it determined continued flight was not feasible so they initiated "flight termination measures."pic.twitter.com/SbDOHjhMwS https://t.co/0QITL0Ou3U — Jeffrey J. Hall ???? (@mrjeffu) December 18, 2024 × This was the company's second failed launch attempt. In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Kairos' failures to launch Previously, in March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames with hundreds of spectators gathered nearby witnessing the dramatic scene. Also read | Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes Along with the two failed attempts, Space One's Kairos also has two postponements. The Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama on Saturday (Dec 13). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday, only for the launch to be called off again. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, postponed its second attempt on Sunday (Dec 14) by two days — a third in total. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year and the second one on Saturday was postponed just minutes before the launch.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to local media, including national broadcaster NHK, weather conditions forced the postponement of the rocket launch for the second day running.

Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was originally scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday at 11 am.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-private-rocket-firm-space-one-halts-second-launch-attempt-minutes-before-liftoff-783905">Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff</a>

"During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe on Saturday.&nbsp;

In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures.

<h2>Kairos' first failed attempt</h2>

In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot)&nbsp;solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-crash-that-killed-malawis-vp-chilima-caused-by-weather-and-human-error-report-784067">Plane crash that killed Malawi's VP Chilima caused by weather and human error: Report</a>

However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered&nbsp;nearby and witnessed&nbsp;the dramatic scene.

If it had been successful, the&nbsp;company would have become the first private Japanese firm&nbsp;to&nbsp;put a satellite into orbit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, postponed its second attempt on Sunday (Dec 14) by two days — a third in total.

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, postponed its second attempt on Sunday (Dec 14) by two days — a third in total. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year and the second one on Saturday was postponed just minutes before the launch. What happened? According to local media, including national broadcaster NHK, weather conditions forced the postponement of the rocket launch for the second day running. Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was originally scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday at 11 am. Also read | Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff "During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe on Saturday. In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Kairos' first failed attempt In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. Also read | Plane crash that killed Malawi's VP Chilima caused by weather and human error: Report However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered nearby and witnessed the dramatic scene. If it had been successful, the company would have become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite into orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes

Tokyo, Japan
Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, postponed its second attempt on Sunday (Dec 14) by two days — a third in total. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year and the second one on Saturday was postponed just minutes before the launch.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
According to local media, including national broadcaster NHK, weather conditions forced the postponement of the rocket launch for the second day running.
Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was originally scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday at 11 am.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-private-rocket-firm-space-one-halts-second-launch-attempt-minutes-before-liftoff-783905">Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff</a>
"During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe on Saturday. 
In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures.
<h2>Kairos' first failed attempt</h2>
In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-crash-that-killed-malawis-vp-chilima-caused-by-weather-and-human-error-report-784067">Plane crash that killed Malawi's VP Chilima caused by weather and human error: Report</a>
However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered nearby and witnessed the dramatic scene.
If it had been successful, the company would have become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite into orbit.
(With inputs from agencies)

According to local media, including national broadcaster NHK, weather conditions forced the postponement of the rocket launch for the second day running



Tokyo, Japan Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, postponed its second attempt on Sunday (Dec 14) by two days — a third in total. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year and the second one on Saturday was postponed just minutes before the launch. What happened? According to local media, including national broadcaster NHK, weather conditions forced the postponement of the rocket launch for the second day running. Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was originally scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off and rescheduled for 24 hours later - Sunday at 11 am. Also read | Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff "During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe on Saturday. In this attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Kairos' first failed attempt In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. Also read | Plane crash that killed Malawi's VP Chilima caused by weather and human error: Report However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered nearby and witnessed the dramatic scene. If it had been successful, the company would have become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite into orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, which was aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Saturday (Dec 14) postponed its second attempt just 20 minutes before launch. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863">Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down'</a>

"During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe.&nbsp;

Abe told reporters that the company plans to make another attempt on Sunday at 11 am.&nbsp;

In its second attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures.

<h2>Kairos' failed attempt</h2>

In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot)&nbsp;solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ban-in-america-us-federal-court-rejects-relief-request-783857">TikTok ban in America: US Federal Court rejects appeal to temporarily block ban</a>

However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered&nbsp;nearby and witnessed&nbsp;the dramatic scene.

If it had been successful, the&nbsp;company would have become the first private Japanese firm&nbsp;to&nbsp;put a satellite into orbit. With private firms offering cheaper and more frequent space exploration opportunities than governments,&nbsp;Space One, as per AFP,&nbsp;hopes to emulate Elon Musk's SpaceX and is seeking to&nbsp;establish itself in a competitive international field by launching small rockets, quickly, for businesses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, which was aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Saturday (Dec 14) postponed its second attempt just 20 minutes before launch.

Japanese space firm Space One KAIROS, which was aiming to become the nation's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit, on Saturday (Dec 14) postponed its second attempt just 20 minutes before launch. The company's first attempt ended in a mid-air explosion in March of this year. What happened? Tokyo-based Space One's Kairos rocket was scheduled to blast off from the company's launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii, in the rural western region of Wakayama at 11 am (0200 GMT). However, just 20 minutes before the scheduled launch, it was called off. Also read | Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' "During the final decision-making process for the launch, we analysed the weather conditions and determined that the wind speeds above an altitude of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) were so strong that it was not suitable for launch," said Space One executive Kozo Abe. Abe told reporters that the company plans to make another attempt on Sunday at 11 am. In its second attempt, the Kairos rocket was supposed to carry five satellites into orbit, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Kairos' failed attempt In March 2024, the 18-metre (60-foot) solid-fuel rocket Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, blasted off from the Space One launch pad. Also read | TikTok ban in America: US Federal Court rejects appeal to temporarily block ban However, just seconds later, a technical problem was detected and a self-destruct instruction was transmitted to the rocket. Soon after, the rocket erupted in flames as hundreds of spectators gathered nearby and witnessed the dramatic scene. If it had been successful, the company would have become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite into orbit. With private firms offering cheaper and more frequent space exploration opportunities than governments, Space One, as per AFP, hopes to emulate Elon Musk's SpaceX and is seeking to establish itself in a competitive international field by launching small rockets, quickly, for businesses. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese private rocket firm Space One halts second launch attempt minutes before liftoff

Kairos, a small, solid-fuel rocket made by Japan's Space One, exploded just seconds into its inaugural launch on Wednesday as the firm tried to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit.

The setback for Space One and the rocket industry in Japan comes as the government and investors ramp up support for the sector amid a national security buildup and skyrocketing demand for commercial satellites.

The 18-metre (59 ft) rocket exploded five seconds after lifting off, leaving behind a large cloud of smoke, a fire, fragments of the rocket and sprays of firefighting water near the launch pad on the tip of mountainous Kii peninsula in western Japan, visible on local media livestreams.

Watch the video here:

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JUST IN: Space One rocket in Japan explodes after takeoff during its “inaugural launch.” 
 
The Kairos rocket was attempting to make Space One the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit. (Reuters) 
 
The 59 ft, four-stage solid-fuel rocket was launched from the Kii… <a href="https://t.co/BJAAWXGsCy">pic.twitter.com/BJAAWXGsCy</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1767741084921364640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"The rocket terminated the flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," company president Masakazu Toyoda said.

Space One did not specify what triggered self-destruction after the first-stage engine ignited - or when the company would launch the next Kairos - only pledging an investigation into the explosion.

The company said that the launch is highly automated, requiring only about a dozen ground staff, and that the rocket self-destructs when it detects errors in its flight path, speed, or control system that could cause a crash that endangers people on the ground.

"We don't use the world 'failure', because each trial brings us ... new data and experience for another challenge," Toyoda told a news conference.

There were no injuries near the launch pad, and the fire has been extinguished, Shuhei Kishimoto, governor of Wakayama prefecture, told reporters.

Kairos carried an experimental government satellite that can temporarily replace intelligence satellites in orbit if they fall offline.

Space One had planned the launch for Saturday but postponed it after a ship entered the nearby restricted sea area.

<h2>'Space courier services'</h2>

Although Japan is a relatively small player in the space race, the nation's rocket developers are scrambling to build cheaper vehicles to capture booming demand for satellite launches from its government and from global clients.

Tokyo-based Space One was established in 2018 by a consortium of Japanese companies: Canon Electronics, the aerospace engineering unit of IHI, construction firm Shimizu and the state-backed Development Bank of Japan. Two of Japan's biggest banks, Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho, also own minority stakes.

Shares in Canon Electronics fell as much as 13 per cent, while IHI shares were down as much as 2 per cent after Wednesday's failed launch.

Space One wants to offer "space courier services" to domestic and international clients, aiming to launch 20 rockets a year by the late 2020s, Toyoda has said. Although the company delayed Kairos' inaugural launch window four times, it said orders for its second and third planned trips have been filled, including by an overseas customer.

Kairos is composed of three stages of solid-fuel engines and a liquid-fuel post-boost stage engine, attempting to carry payloads of up to 250 kg to low-Earth orbit.

Space One does not disclose Kairos' launch costs, but company executive Kozo Abe said it is "competitive enough" against American rival Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab has launched more than 40 Electron small rockets from New Zealand since 2017 at roughly $7 million per flight. Several Japanese companies have used Electron for their missions, including radar satellite makers iQPS and Synspective, and orbital debris-removal startup Astroscale.

<h2>Revitalising an industry</h2>

Partnering with the United States, Japan is seeking to revitalise its domestic aerospace industry to counter technological and military rivals China and Russia.

Last month, state-funded Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched its new cost-efficient flagship rocket, the H3. JAXA completed a historic "pinpoint" moon landing this year, and the H3 is scheduled to carry about 20 satellites and probes to the space by 2030.

Before that, however, JAXA had faced a series of setbacks. H3's inaugural flight failed last year, as did another flight of a smaller rocket, Epsilon, in 2022. In July 2023, an upgraded engine for Epsilon exploded at JAXA's testing site.

In 2019, Interstellar Technologies conducted Japan's first privately developed rocket launch with its MOMO series, although without a full-scale satellite payload.

The government last year promised "comprehensive" support for space startups with technology critical for national security, as it seeks to build satellite constellations to ramp up intelligence capabilities.

Japan's defence ministry on Friday said it had struck a deal with Space One to boost its rockets' payload by experimenting with fuel-efficient methane engines.

"Rocket Lab, too, did not achieve its mission at the inaugural (Electron) flight, but it went on to launch three rockets in its second year," Toyoda said. "We can't stop here – we need to compete with this company."

Kairos, a small, solid-fuel rocket made by Japan's Space One, exploded just seconds into its inaugural launch on Wednesday as the firm tried to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit.

Kairos, a small, solid-fuel rocket made by Japan's Space One, exploded just seconds into its inaugural launch on Wednesday as the firm tried to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit. The setback for Space One and the rocket industry in Japan comes as the government and investors ramp up support for the sector amid a national security buildup and skyrocketing demand for commercial satellites. The 18-metre (59 ft) rocket exploded five seconds after lifting off, leaving behind a large cloud of smoke, a fire, fragments of the rocket and sprays of firefighting water near the launch pad on the tip of mountainous Kii peninsula in western Japan, visible on local media livestreams. Watch the video here: JUST IN: Space One rocket in Japan explodes after takeoff during its “inaugural launch.” The Kairos rocket was attempting to make Space One the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit. (Reuters) The 59 ft, four-stage solid-fuel rocket was launched from the Kii… pic.twitter.com/BJAAWXGsCy — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 13, 2024 × "The rocket terminated the flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult," company president Masakazu Toyoda said. Space One did not specify what triggered self-destruction after the first-stage engine ignited - or when the company would launch the next Kairos - only pledging an investigation into the explosion. The company said that the launch is highly automated, requiring only about a dozen ground staff, and that the rocket self-destructs when it detects errors in its flight path, speed, or control system that could cause a crash that endangers people on the ground. "We don't use the world 'failure', because each trial brings us ... new data and experience for another challenge," Toyoda told a news conference. There were no injuries near the launch pad, and the fire has been extinguished, Shuhei Kishimoto, governor of Wakayama prefecture, told reporters. Kairos carried an experimental government satellite that can temporarily replace intelligence satellites in orbit if they fall offline. Space One had planned the launch for Saturday but postponed it after a ship entered the nearby restricted sea area. 'Space courier services' Although Japan is a relatively small player in the space race, the nation's rocket developers are scrambling to build cheaper vehicles to capture booming demand for satellite launches from its government and from global clients. Tokyo-based Space One was established in 2018 by a consortium of Japanese companies: Canon Electronics, the aerospace engineering unit of IHI, construction firm Shimizu and the state-backed Development Bank of Japan. Two of Japan's biggest banks, Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho, also own minority stakes. Shares in Canon Electronics fell as much as 13 per cent, while IHI shares were down as much as 2 per cent after Wednesday's failed launch. Space One wants to offer "space courier services" to domestic and international clients, aiming to launch 20 rockets a year by the late 2020s, Toyoda has said. Although the company delayed Kairos' inaugural launch window four times, it said orders for its second and third planned trips have been filled, including by an overseas customer. Kairos is composed of three stages of solid-fuel engines and a liquid-fuel post-boost stage engine, attempting to carry payloads of up to 250 kg to low-Earth orbit. Space One does not disclose Kairos' launch costs, but company executive Kozo Abe said it is "competitive enough" against American rival Rocket Lab. Rocket Lab has launched more than 40 Electron small rockets from New Zealand since 2017 at roughly $7 million per flight. Several Japanese companies have used Electron for their missions, including radar satellite makers iQPS and Synspective, and orbital debris-removal startup Astroscale. Revitalising an industry Partnering with the United States, Japan is seeking to revitalise its domestic aerospace industry to counter technological and military rivals China and Russia. Last month, state-funded Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched its new cost-efficient flagship rocket, the H3. JAXA completed a historic "pinpoint" moon landing this year, and the H3 is scheduled to carry about 20 satellites and probes to the space by 2030. Before that, however, JAXA had faced a series of setbacks. H3's inaugural flight failed last year, as did another flight of a smaller rocket, Epsilon, in 2022. In July 2023, an upgraded engine for Epsilon exploded at JAXA's testing site. In 2019, Interstellar Technologies conducted Japan's first privately developed rocket launch with its MOMO series, although without a full-scale satellite payload. The government last year promised "comprehensive" support for space startups with technology critical for national security, as it seeks to build satellite constellations to ramp up intelligence capabilities. Japan's defence ministry on Friday said it had struck a deal with Space One to boost its rockets' payload by experimenting with fuel-efficient methane engines. "Rocket Lab, too, did not achieve its mission at the inaugural (Electron) flight, but it went on to launch three rockets in its second year," Toyoda said. "We can't stop here – we need to compete with this company."

Watch | Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket explodes on inaugural flight

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Japanese space firm's Kairos rocket fails again: Falls from sky in latest setback. Watch video here

Japanese space firm's Kairos rocket fails again: Falls from sky in latest setback. Watch video here

Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes

Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket launch delayed for third time amid weather woes

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Watch | Japanese firm Space One's Kairos rocket explodes on inaugural flight