Japan's Space One Kairos rocket bursts on its first launch

Japan's Space One's small, solid-fueled Kairos rocket detonated shortly after its initial launch on Wednesday, trying to become the first Japanese satellite launcher.

Local media livestreams showed the 59-foot, four-stage solid-fuel rocket explode seconds after liftoff on the tip of the mountainous Kii peninsula in western Japan, leaving behind smoke, a fire, rocket fragments, and firefighting water sprays near the launch pad.

Space One reported a “interrupted” flight after launch and is investigating. What caused the explosion and whether anyone was hurt were unknown. Launch pads rarely have anyone nearby. Space One claims the launch is automated and requires 12 ground control center people.

An experimental government satellite on Kairos could temporarily replace intelligence satellites if they fail.

Space One postponed its Saturday launch when a ship entered the restricted marine area.

Japan is a modest player in the space race, but its rocket developers are striving to construct cheaper rockets to meet government and global customer demand for satellite launches.

Canon Electronics, IHI's aerospace engineering branch, Shimizu, and the state-backed Development Bank of Japan founded Tokyo-based Space One in 2018. Mitsubishi UFJ and Mizuho, Japan's largest banks, own minority stakes.

Canon Electronics shares plunged over 9% after Wednesday's launch failure.