Space One delays Kairos rocket launch citing weather analysis

Tokyo-based startup Space One has postponed the launch of its Kairos small rocket's No. 3 unit until March, citing a detailed weather analysis. The rocket is set to carry five satellites, with the launch window running until March 25.

Space One, a Tokyo-based startup, has delayed the launch of the No. 3 unit of its Kairos small rocket, originally set for Wednesday. The rocket was scheduled to lift off between 11 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. from the company's Spaceport Kii site in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture.

The firm stated that a new launch date will be announced two days in advance or earlier. Previous attempts with Kairos No. 1 and No. 2 units ended unsuccessfully in March 2024 and December of the same year, respectively.

Space One aims to achieve Japan's first satellite orbit insertion using a rocket developed entirely by the private sector.

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Illustration depicting the dramatic liftoff of Space One's Kairos No. 3 rocket from Space Port Kii before its mission abort.
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Japanese startup aborts Kairos No. 3 rocket flight after liftoff

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Japan's private space company Space One launched its Kairos No. 3 rocket on March 5 from Space Port Kii in Wakayama Prefecture but aborted the flight minutes later. This marks the third setback for the firm aiming to be the first private Japanese entity to place satellites into orbit.

Tokyo-based space startup Space One canceled the launch of its Kairos No. 3 small rocket shortly before liftoff on March 4 from Spaceport Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, after a safety system activated. The launch was scheduled for 11 a.m., but halted 30 seconds prior. The company plans a press conference that afternoon to explain the incident.

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Japan's private space company Space One canceled the launch of its third Kairos small rocket on Sunday due to unfavorable weather conditions. This setback delays the company's effort to become the first Japanese private firm to place satellites into orbit using a domestically developed rocket. The attempt scheduled for Wednesday last week was also postponed for the same reason.

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NASA has delayed the Artemis II mission to April 1 following a helium flow problem that rolled the rocket back from the pad, building on prior fixes for hydrogen leaks during fueling tests. This first crewed lunar orbit since 1972 faces ongoing maintenance before returning to the launch site.

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