Space One to Attempt New Rocket Launch in December Following March Failure

Tokyo – Japanese private space start-up Space One has announced plans for a new rocket launch scheduled for December, just months after the failure of its initial attempt earlier this year.

The rocket, named Kairos, is set to carry a small satellite and four microsatellites into orbit. The launch will take place from the company’s spaceport in western Japan, as reported by the news outlet Nippon.com.

Space One’s first attempt in March ended in disaster when the 18-meter-long, four-stage Kairos rocket exploded shortly after liftoff. The failure was attributed to the autonomous flight safety system, which detected an unexpected decrease in speed and triggered an emergency shutdown, causing the rocket to disintegrate.

Undeterred by the March incident, Space One is pressing forward with its ambitious plans. Founded in 2018, the company has set a goal of launching 30 rockets annually by the 2030s. The upcoming December launch will be a critical test for the start-up as it seeks to solidify its position in the competitive space industry.

The company operates Japan’s first private spaceport, located in Wakayama Prefecture near Osaka, marking a significant step in the nation’s burgeoning private space sector.