Nov 26, (V7N) - A major fire broke out on Tuesday during a solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket test at Japan's Tanegashima Space Center, located in the Kagoshima region. National broadcaster NHK reported towering flames and white smoke rising from the site, but no injuries have been reported so far.

According to JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), the fire started during a combustion test at 8:30 a.m. local time (2330 GMT). Witnesses heard a large explosion about 30 seconds into the test, and burning debris was seen flying toward the sea. JAXA confirmed an "abnormality" occurred and is investigating the cause.

This incident adds to a series of recent challenges for JAXA. In July 2023, another Epsilon S engine exploded during a test. Despite these setbacks, the agency successfully launched its H3 rocket in February, a potential rival to SpaceX's Falcon 9. Earlier in January, Japan became the fifth nation to achieve a soft lunar landing, though the probe landed at an angle.

In March, a private Japanese company, Space One, faced a similar incident when its Kairos rocket exploded shortly after launch. Live footage showed the rocket engulfed in flames, scattering debris over a mountainous area in Wakayama.

The current investigation aims to determine the root cause of the Epsilon S incident, crucial for Japan's efforts to strengthen its space program and compete globally.

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