The Epsilon S rocket engine exploded at a test site in Akita Prefecture on Friday, another setback for Japan’s space agency for developing advanced rockets.
No one was injured in the explosion at the Noshiro Test Center, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and police. Many broadcasters and space enthusiasts gathered outside the research building to watch.
The incident occurred approximately one minute after the start of the second stage engine ground test. The engine suddenly caught fire, exploded with a loud noise and spewed white smoke into the air, the smoke turned black and the fire continued .
A Japanese rocket engine exploded during a test on Friday, in the latest blow to the country’s space agency. The Epsilon S, an improved version of the Epsilon rocket that failed to launch in October, blew up roughly 50 seconds after ignition. https://t.co/WoHji23Ta7
— Mwangi Wa Maina (@MwangiEMaina) July 14, 2023
The explosion destroyed the roof and part of the exterior of the building. The fire in the building was extinguished by firefighters about two hours after the first explosion, which occurred at around 09.00 in the morning.
JAXA is developing the Epsilon S as the successor to the current Epsilon series to increase its competitiveness in the country’s growing satellite market, but the recent boom may slow things down.
The first rocket in the series was launched in 2013, and five variants were successfully launched before Epsilon-6 was ordered to self-destruct in 2022 after deviating from its course.
The failure caused the agency to delay the launch of the Epsilon S from the fiscal year that began in April to fiscal 2024, as it uses the same fuel tank as the Epsilon-6.
The Epsilon family of rockets uses a simple fuel that is easy to prepare for launch compared to rockets that require liquid propellant.
JAXA’s new flagship H3 rocket (successor to the H2A rocket) self-destructed within minutes in March after its second engine failed.
Second test after test canceled just before launch due to power outage last month.
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