
The second launch of the Kairos 2 rocket by Tokyo-based startup Space One Co. ended in failure after the rocket was purposefully detonated 10 minutes post-liftoff from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. This setback came after the company's first attempt with the inaugural Kairos rocket ended in an explosion in March, highlighting the challenges faced by private Japanese companies in sending satellites into space via rockets.
The Kairos 2 rocket, developed with technical cooperation from companies like IHI Aerospace Co. and Canon Electronics Inc., was set to deploy small satellites into orbit. The cost of these failed launches is significant, with the March liftoff failure resulting in a 1.1 billion yen satellite falling to the ground. Despite these setbacks, Space One Co. plans to launch their rocket up to 20 times a year by the end of the 2020s to lower the unit cost of launches and contribute to space industry development.
Private ventures in Japan, like Space One Co. and Interstellar Technologies Inc., are striving to compete in the space business, reflecting the increasing demand for satellite launches as the industry expands. The space industry has seen a surge in satellite launches in recent years, with not enough rockets available to meet the demand. In response, companies like Space One Co. are focusing on developing small rockets that can be launched at a high frequency and with shorter turnaround times, providing dedicated flights for satellites without the wait associated with larger rockets.