Official JAXA press release or report on the test outcome

Fire Breaks Out During Japan's Epsilon S Rocket Engine Test, Marking Second Consecutive Failure

Nov 26, 2024, 12:56 AM

Japan's space agency, JAXA, reported a fire during a ground combustion test of the Epsilon S rocket engine at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The incident occurred during a test of the next-generation small rocket, which is a key part of Japan's space program. This marks the second consecutive failure for the Epsilon S rocket engine, following a similar explosion during a test in July 2023. The fire reportedly followed an abnormal combustion and was accompanied by an explosion, with flames and smoke observed at the site. The fire was extinguished after the incident, which reportedly occurred 45 seconds into the test. JAXA is currently investigating the cause of the incident.