Japan’s Rocket Explosion Leaves Spectators at Loss for Words; Rocket Enthusiast: ‘Failure Bound to Happen at Beginning’
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/eiji-20240313-OYT1I50061-1.jpg)
White smoke is seen from a rocket launch observation area at 11:05 a.m. on Wednesday in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.
14:42 JST, March 13, 2024
KUSHIMOTO, Wakayama — Spectators of the launch of Japan’s first private-sector rocket KAIROS, developed by Space One were left speechless when they saw it explode into pieces in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, on Wednesday.
Space One, a Tokyo-based startup, said flying termination measures were taken for the rocket.
At an observation site located about two kilometers away from the launch site, people were heard sighing after an announcement reported that the launch failed a few minutes after liftoff.
A 44-year-old rocket enthusiast who has witnessed almost 30 different rocket launches drove overnight from Saitama Prefecture to watch the liftoff. “Failure is bound to happen at the beginning [for rocket development],” he said. “I hope they use this as a springboard to success in the future.”
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/eiji-20240313-OYT1I50059-1-1.jpg)
Wreckages believed to be part of the KAIROS rocket are seen at 11:26 a.m. on Wednesday in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Typhoon Shanshan Forms, Slowly Moves Toward Japan; Govt Says Typhoon No. 10 Likely to Approach Japan Next Week
-
Typhoon Ampil Approaching Japan
-
Shizuoka Pref. City Offers Foreigners Free Japanese Language Classes; Aims to Raise Non-Natives to Daily Conversation Level
-
Typhoon No. 10 Forecast to Develop; Move into Pacific Ocean South of Japan on Aug. 26
-
Tokyo Companies Prepare for Ashfall From Mt. Fuji Eruption; Disposal Of Ash, Possibly at Sea, A Major Challenge
JN ACCESS RANKING