Tokyo Startup Space One's Kairos No. 2 Fails Mid-Flight, Second Consecutive Failure

Dec 18, 2024, 02:22 AM

Space One, a Tokyo-based startup, attempted to launch its small rocket, Kairos No. 2, from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture on Wednesday. The launch, aimed at becoming Japan's first private company to successfully put a satellite into orbit, was aborted mid-flight due to a malfunction during the ascent. This marks the second consecutive failure for Space One, following the explosion of the first Kairos rocket shortly after liftoff in March. The Kairos No. 2 rocket, which is 18 meters long and weighs 23 tons, was carrying five small satellites. The company has announced that it is currently investigating the details of the failure and plans to hold a press conference to provide further information.