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Space One's Kairos No. 2 Fails to Launch 5 Satellites, Japan's First Private Launch Attempt

Dec 18, 2024, 02:18 AM

Space One, a Japanese space startup, launched its Kairos No. 2 rocket from Spaceport Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, at 11:00 a.m. on December 18. The rocket, which is 18 meters long and weighs 23 tons, used solid fuel and was carrying five small satellites. The launch aimed to place these satellites into orbit, marking Japan's first attempt to launch a satellite into orbit by a private company alone. However, shortly after liftoff, at 11:02, the first and second stages separated, and at 11:03, the fairing separated. At 11:12, the company announced that it had determined the mission was unachievable and initiated flight termination measures. This marks the second consecutive failure for Space One, following the explosion of the first Kairos rocket shortly after launch in March. The company is currently investigating the details of the failure and plans to hold a press conference to provide further information.