On Camera, Japan’s First Private Satellite Explodes Seconds After Launch
In a setback for Japan’s space ambitions, a rocket built by a Japanese startup, Space One, exploded mere seconds after liftoff. The incident, captured on camera by public broadcaster NHK, occurred as the company aimed to make history by becoming the first Japanese private entity to place a satellite into orbit.
The Ill-Fated Launch
The 18-meter (60-foot) solid-fuel Kairos rocket, carrying a small government test satellite, took off from Space One’s launch pad in Wakayama prefecture, Japan. However, shortly after liftoff, the rocket erupted into a ball of flame, engulfing the launch pad area in black smoke.
Immediate Aftermath
As the rocket disintegrated, burning debris rained down onto the surrounding mountain slopes. Emergency measures were swiftly implemented, with sprinklers dousing the area with water to contain the inferno.
Investigation and Ramifications
Space One released a statement acknowledging the failure and revealing that the flight was aborted after the launch. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway. This failure dealt a blow to Japan’s aspirations of entering the lucrative satellite-launch market, particularly in providing quick deployment of temporary, small satellites in case of malfunctioning government spy satellites.
The Company Behind the Launch
Established in 2018, Space One comprises a consortium of major Japanese tech businesses, including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction firm Shimizu, and the government-owned Development Bank of Japan. The company aimed to pioneer private satellite launches in Japan.
A Series of Setbacks
The explosion of the Kairos rocket adds to a string of recent setbacks in Japan’s space endeavours. In July, another Japanese rocket engine exploded during testing, just 50 seconds after ignition. Before that, Tokyo had experienced failed attempts to launch its next-generation H3 rocket in March 2023.
Glimmers of Success
Despite the setbacks, Japan has celebrated some successes in its space program. In a recent milestone, the new flagship rocket, H3, successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center, offering hope for future endeavours. Additionally, Japan achieved the landing of an unmanned probe on the Moon in January, albeit with a slight angle issue, marking significant progress in lunar exploration efforts.
Conclusion
The explosion of Japan’s first private satellite launch serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks involved in space exploration. While setbacks are inevitable, Japan remains determined to advance its presence in space and contribute to global exploration efforts.
-Prisha Jaiswal