Japan’s Space One Launch of Kairos Rocket Delayed for 2 Days in a Row Due to Strong Winds (UPDATE 1)

The Yomiuri Shimbun

11:01 JST, December 15, 2024 (updated at 14:00 JST)

Space One Co. said Sunday that it postponed the launch of the No. 2 Kairos rocket, scheduled for 11 a.m. on the day, for the second day in a row due to strong winds at the launch pad in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.

The Tokyo-based startup now aims to launch the 18-meter-long solid-fuel rocket at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. It is making arrangements for the rescheduled launch with the Wakayama prefectural government and other entities.

The rocket launch had been initially slated for 11 a.m. on Saturday, but was postponed for Sunday also because of strong winds.

“I’ve been informed that the weather was the reason [for the rescheduling], so it can’t be helped,” Wakayama Gov. Shuhei Kishimoto told reporters Sunday. “As there is no problem with the rocket, I hope for its successful launch.”