March 13, 2024
Space One’s rocket explodes on takeoff
TOKYO: Kairos, a small solid-fuel rocket built by Japan’s Space One, exploded just seconds after its maiden launch on Wednesday as the company sought to become the first Japanese company to put a satellite into orbit. The setback for Space One and Japan’s rocket industry comes as the government and investors step up support for the sector amid a national security buildup and soaring demand for commercial satellites. The 18-meter (59-foot) rocket exploded five seconds after liftoff, leaving behind a large cloud of smoke, a fire, rocket fragments and sprays of fire-fighting water near the launch pad on the tip


