Science

Kairos Rocket Launch Postponed due to Strong Winds (Update 2)

The Yomiuri Shimbun

17:42 JST, December 14, 2024

Space One Co. announced Saturday that it had postponed the launch of the No. 2 Kairos rocket, scheduled for 11 a.m. on the day, to the same time on Sunday, due to strong winds at its launch site in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.

The Tokyo-based space startup analyzed the weather, among other factors, and concluded that the winds above the launch site were too strong for the rocket to be launched.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Kinki region experienced strong winds from the northwest due to a midwinter pressure pattern, with gusts of up to 17.8 meters per second at 7:50 a.m. on Saturday at Cape Shiono in the town. A strong wind warning was issued for the entire prefecture.

The Yomiuri Shimbun
People wait for the launch of the No. 2 Kairos rocket in Kushimoto.

In March, the No. 1 Kairos rocket exploded shortly after the liftoff. Revisions to the thrust settings, which caused the failure, and other improvements were made to the No. 2 unit.

The No. 2 rocket was carrying five small satellites and planned to release them at an altitude of about 500 kilometers about 53 minutes after launch. Successful orbital insertion would be a first for a privately developed rocket in Japan.

The Yomiuri Shimbun
A couple waits for the launch of the No. 2 Kairos rocket in Kushimoto.

Space One was established in 2018 to commercialize space transport services and frequently send small satellites into space. IHI Aerospace Co., Canon Electronics Inc., Shimizu Corp. and Development Bank of Japan Inc. have invested in the company.

Space One has set a target of launching 30 small rockets a year in the 2030s.