Tokyo startup’s second satellite launch attempt ends in failure

Tokyo-based startup Space One’s bid to become the first private Japanese company to place a satellite into orbit failed for a second time Wednesday, in a setback for Japan’s space development aspirations.

The 18-meter, 23-ton solid-fuel Kairos No. 2 rocket was launched at around 11 a.m. from a newly established space facility in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture. However, a malfunction during the ascent led to the launch failure. The company is looking into the details.

The failure follows two postponements for the launch and the failure of its first rocket, which burst into flames just seconds after liftoff in the spring.

Initially delayed due to strong winds on its scheduled launch date Saturday, the attempt was rescheduled for Sunday but was again postponed, with strong winds cited as the reason for both delays.

The rocket was carrying five small satellites, including ones from Taiwan’s space agency, a startup based in Kyoto and even high school students at Hiroo Gakuen in Tokyo.