Japan’s Space One Rocket Grounded In 2nd Attempt Delaying Bid for Orbit

A Tokyo-based private company, Space One is set to become Japan’s first private satellite launcher, but has postponed its scheduled rocket launch on Saturday due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The Kairos rocket was set to launch at 11 a.m. from Space One’s facility in Wakayama. However, just 20 minutes before launch, the company called it off. Kozo Abe, a Space One executive, cited that there are strong wind speeds above 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) as the reason for the delay. “We analyzed the weather and determined it was unsuitable for launch,” Abe told reporters.

The company plans to attempt the launch again on Sunday at the same time, with preparations underway.

This marks the second launch attempt for the solid-fuel Kairos rocket, which aims to carry five satellites, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and businesses. The first attempt in March ended in failure when the rocket self-destructed shortly after liftoff due to technical issues, resulting in a fiery explosion.

Space One, founded in 2018 by major companies like Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, Shimizu Corporation, and the Development Bank of Japan, hopes to emulate SpaceX’s model by offering cost-effective and rapid satellite launches. The company’s focus is on launching small rockets to meet the growing demand for commercial satellite deployment.