A Japanese space startup, Space One Co., is planning to launch its second rocket in December. This comes after the company's first rocket exploded shortly after liftoff in March.
Mamoru Endo, a director at Space One, announced the news at a space symposium organized by the Wakayama prefectural government on August 25th. He stated that the company has identified the cause of the explosion and is confident in resuming launches of its small rocket, Kairos.
The second launch attempt will also take place from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. Detailed schedules will be announced later.
The inaugural Kairos was intended to be Japan's first private-sector rocket to send an artificial satellite into orbit. However, the rocket exploded five seconds after liftoff on March 13th, destroying the Cabinet Secretariat's satellite it was carrying.
The Kairos, which means "Kii-based Advanced and Instant Rocket System," is a small rocket developed by Space One. The company aims to provide affordable and reliable launch services for small satellites.