The small KAIROS rocket, operated by the Japanese company Space One, exploded shortly after its launch today, Wednesday, as the company aimed to become the first Japanese firm to place a satellite into orbit. The 18-meter tall rocket, powered by solid fuel and consisting of four stages, exploded seconds after liftoff at 11:01 AM local time (02:01 GMT), leaving a cloud of smoke and a fire near the launch pad at the tip of the Kii Peninsula in western Japan.
The KAIROS rocket was carrying a test government satellite that could temporarily replace existing intelligence satellites in orbit if they ceased functioning. There have been no indications yet regarding the cause of the explosion or whether there were any injuries. Typically, there are no personnel in close proximity to the launch pad during the launch process. Space One had initially planned for the launch to take place on Saturday but postponed it after a vessel entered the nearby restricted maritime area.
