Japan’s Space One Kairos rocket explodes just seconds into inaugural flight

A Japanese solid-fueled rocket exploded mere seconds into its inaugural launch in a major setback for the country’s quest to space as private firm Space One tried to become the country’s first company to put a satellite in orbit.

Kairos, the 59-foot tall spacecraft, lifted off at 11:01 a.m. in the mountainous Kii Peninsula in western Japan on Wednesday. ---More...

JUST IN: Space One rocket in Japan explodes after takeoff during its “inaugural launch.”

The Kairos rocket was attempting to make Space One the first Japanese company to put a satellite in orbit. (Reuters)

The 59 ft, four-stage solid-fuel rocket was launched from the Kii… pic.twitter.com/BJAAWXGsCy

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg)March 13, 2024