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Space One's Kairos No. 2 Rocket Launch Fails After Liftoff on December 18, 2024, Mission Terminated for Five Satellites

Dec 18, 2024, 02:47 AM

The Kairos No. 2 rocket, developed by the Japanese startup Space One, was launched on December 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM from Kii Spaceport in Wakayama Prefecture. This marked the company's second attempt to place satellites into orbit, following a failed launch in March 2024 that ended in an explosion. Despite a successful liftoff, the mission faced critical issues shortly after takeoff. Approximately 80 seconds into the flight, an anomaly occurred with the first-stage engine's nozzle control, leading to the rocket losing its trajectory. Space One initiated flight termination measures at around 11:12 AM, declaring the mission's success impossible. The company plans to hold a press conference later to discuss the details of the failure. This incident represents a significant setback for Japan's commercial space industry, as Space One seeks to become the first private firm in the country to successfully launch a satellite into orbit.