A space rocket built by a Japanese startup blasted off on Wednesday but was later seen spiraling downwards in the distance as the company said the launch had to be terminated.
It was the second attempt by Space One to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit after an initial try in March ended in a mid-air explosion. Companies such as Space One want to offer cheaper and more frequent space exploration opportunities than governments. The startup is hoping to establish a satellite-launching service to tap into expanding global demand—emulating Elon Musk's SpaceX, which has contracts with NASA and the Pentagon.
"We do not regard this event as a failure," Space One president Masakazu Toyoda told reporters. "We believe that the data and experience gained... is extremely valuable and we think they will be useful for the next challenge," he said. Company director Mamoru Endo said a glitch 80 seconds after liftoff had affected the altitude of the solid-fuel Kairos rocket.
"Our data shows that the rocket was flying in a western direction instead of the originally planned southern direction," Endo said, and it was not able to get the rocket back on course. Space One said it hopes to launch a third Kairos rocket as soon as possible but did not give specific dates. Spectators, gathered near the company's coastal Spaceport Kii launch pad in Japan's rural western Wakayama region, expressed their disappointment to television cameras. "I'm so shocked," one woman said after the firm announced the failure. "I had been hoping it would go into orbit."
Flight terminated
News programs showed the slim, white 18-meter (60-foot) rocket soaring far into the sky before its dizzy descent. There was no dramatic explosion—unlike in March when the first Kairos rocket, carrying a small government test satellite, was ordered to self-destruct due to technical problems just seconds after launch.
The latest rocket on Wednesday was carrying five satellites, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Space One, which was still investigating details of the failure, said earlier that "Kairos was launched... but the rocket terminated its flight after judging that the achievement of its mission would be difficult".
Space One was founded in 2018 by businesses including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction firm Shimizu and the government-run Development Bank of Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is also on a mission to become a major player for satellite launches. JAXA's next-generation H3 launch system had experienced multiple failed take-off attempts before a successful blast-off in February. Separately this year, Japan landed an unmanned probe on the moon—albeit at a crooked angle—making it just the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
However, JAXA had to delay the launch of a compact, solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket after a recent engine test resulted in a large fire.
For further information regarding this incident and other developments in Japanese space exploration, please refer to more resources on this topic.
Related Launch Attempts
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | First attempt to launch Kairos rocket | Failed - Mid-air explosion |
| December 2024 | Second launch attempt | Terminated - Off-course flight |
This attempt by Space One highlights the challenges and complexities of entering the increasingly competitive space market while attempting to innovate and reduce costs. The implications of such efforts are vast, potentially impacting satellite service availability globally, influencing telecommunications, and advancing research capabilities in various scientific fields.
This report also parallels various initiatives undertaken by other countries and private companies in the space exploration domain, aiming for sustainable and frequent access to space.
Environmental Impacts of Rocket Launches
As private firms seek to expand their operations in space exploration, the environmental impacts of increasing launch frequencies have come under scrutiny. Some key considerations include:
- Noise: Rocket launches generate significant noise levels, which could impact wildlife in surrounding areas.
- Air Pollution: Emissions from rocket fuel and other materials used during launches have the potential to contribute to atmospheric pollution.
- Space Debris: The increase in launches raises concerns over space debris, which poses risks to future missions and satellites in orbit.
- Resource Consumption: Rocket manufacturing requires substantial resources, including metals and fossil fuels, raising concerns about sustainability and long-term resource availability.
It is imperative for companies like Space One and regulatory bodies to establish and adhere to guidelines that mitigate these environmental impacts while achieving the goal of greater access to space.
Global Implications of Space Launches
| Country | Launch Initiative | International Collaborations |
|---|---|---|
| United States | SpaceX Falcon 9 Program | NASA, ESA |
| China | Long March Rocket | Various African nations |
| India | PSLV and GSLV Programs | SES, NASA |
| Japan | H-IIA and Epsilon Launch Vehicles | International Space Station (ISS) |
| Russia | Soyuz Launches | ESA, NASA |
The increased rate of launches worldwide signifies a shift in global capacity for satellite deployment and scientific exploration, which can foster greater international collaboration and technological advancements. However, these developments also necessitate robust regulatory frameworks to manage the risks associated with space activity.
"The future of space exploration lies in collaboration, sustainable practices, and a commitment to innovation. Each launch is not just a testament to technological advancement, but also a step towards understanding our universe." – Dr. Hitoshi Morimoto, Space Policy Analyst
Conclusion
The recent launch failure faced by Space One has shed light on the ongoing challenges confronted by emergent space startups striving to establish themselves in this vital industry. While the ambition to offer affordable and frequent access to space remains strong, incidents like these reveal the complexity and inherent risks involved. Learning from these challenges is paramount for Space One and other companies aspiring to become leaders in the space sector, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and execution.
As various countries continue to invest and innovate in space technology, a collaborative approach may be essential in advancing our capabilities while fostering a secure and sustainable future in space exploration and utilization.
For More Information
[1] Natsuko FUKUE, "Japanese startup's space rocket launch fails", Phys.org. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2024-12-japanese-startup-space-rocket.html
[2] Space One Company Profile and Launch History: Official Website
[3] JAXA’s Initiatives in the Global Context of Space Exploration: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
[4] Environmental Considerations in Rocket Launches: NASA Environmental Impact Statement
[5] International Space Launch Collaborations: Global Partnerships in Space Development
