Launching at 10:01 p.m. As the Associated Pressreports, no injuries were reported and the ensuing fire was quickly brought under control.
Kairos automated self-destruct system kicked in five seconds into the launch, for reasons that arent yet clear.
Despite being a smaller contender, Japanese rocket developers are seeking to develop more cost-effective launch vehicles.
Space One’s Kairos rocket exploded five seconds into its inaugural launch.Photo: Kyodo News (AP)
Japans space agency, JAXA, has also experienced delays, but recentlylaunchedits newH3 rocket on the second attempt.
Space One is now investigating the incident.
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Fire and smoke from the fallen rocket.Photo: Yomiuri Shimbun/Keita Iijima (AP)
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