A Japanese company’s rocket exploded seconds after launch on Wednesday, ending the start-up’s ambition to deliver a satellite into orbit. Space One’s 18-meter (60-foot) Kairos rocket lifted off from the seaside Wakayama region of western Japan, carrying a small government test satellite.
However, five seconds later, the solid-fuel rocket caught fire, sending white smoke billowing throughout the remote mountainous terrain and orange flames raging on the ground, according to live footage.
The first Kairos rocket was launched however we took steps to cancel the trip,” Space One stated in a statement, adding that “details are being probed.”
Burning debris tumbled down the surrounding hills as sprinklers began spraying water in dramatic scenes witnessed by hundreds of onlookers of all ages gathered at public viewing places, including a nearby coastline.
I had high hopes for this, and I am disappointed. “I want to know what happened,” said an older guy to national channel NHK.
