Tokyo, Dec 18, (V7N) - A space rocket built by Japanese startup Space One failed in its second launch attempt on Wednesday, disappointing spectators and investors hoping to see the company become Japan’s first private firm to put a satellite into orbit.

The Kairos rocket, carrying five satellites—including one from the Taiwan Space Agency—was launched from the company’s Spaceport Kii in the Wakayama region. However, after initially soaring into the sky, the rocket was seen spiraling downward before the company confirmed that the mission had failed.

This was Space One's second attempt after a first failure in March, when the rocket exploded mid-air due to technical issues. The latest attempt, however, did not involve a dramatic explosion. The company stated that the flight was terminated after determining that the mission could not be completed successfully.

Space One, founded in 2018 with backing from companies like Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, and Shimizu, aims to tap into the growing global demand for affordable and frequent satellite launches. The startup aspires to replicate the success of SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, by offering cost-effective alternatives to government-run space missions.

The launch was intended to carry five satellites, including one from Taiwan's Space Agency and others developed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Spectators watching from nearby were visibly disappointed by the failure, as seen in interviews with local news channels.

Space One has announced it will hold a press conference to provide further details about the incident, as the company continues to investigate the cause of the mission's failure.

Despite setbacks, Japan's space exploration sector continues to progress. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is working on its H3 launch system and recently achieved a historic soft landing on the Moon, making Japan only the fifth country to do so. However, Japan's space efforts have faced challenges, such as a recent engine test fire that delayed the launch of the Epsilon S rocket.

The failure of Space One’s second attempt highlights the challenges faced by private space startups as they compete with government agencies and more established companies in the rapidly expanding space exploration industry.

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