Space One Co., a Tokyo-based space venture, launched its Kairos No. 2 rocket from the Spaceport Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, at 11:00 a.m. on December 18. The rocket was carrying five small satellites, including those developed by a Kyoto-based emerging space company and the Taiwan National Space Center, with the aim of achieving Japan's first satellite launch by a private company alone. However, the flight was interrupted shortly after liftoff due to a determination that continuing the mission was not feasible. This marks the second consecutive failure for the Kairos rocket, following the explosion of the first unit in March. Space One is currently investigating the details of the failure and plans to hold a press conference at 2:00 p.m. on the same day to provide further information.
