Space Japan's Space One Kairos rocket explodes on inaugural flight
Japan is seeking to revitalise its domestic aerospace industry to counter China, Russia
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Japan is seeking to revitalise its domestic aerospace industry to counter China, Russia
Kairos, a small, solid-fuelled rocket made by Japan's Space One, exploded shortly after its inaugural launch on Wednesday as the firm tried to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit.
Kairos, a small, solid-fuel rocket made by Japan's Space One, exploded just seconds into its inaugural launch on Wednesday as the firm tried to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit. The setback for Space One and the rocket industry in Japan comes as the government and investors ramp up support for the sector amid a national security buildup and skyrocketing demand for commercial satellites.
The 18-metre (59 ft) rocket exploded five seconds after lifting off, leaving behind a large cloud of smoke
Kairos carried an experimental satellite that can temporarily replace satellites in orbit