A fire erupted during an engine test for the Epsilon S rocket under development at the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan on November 26, 2024. Reuters
Japan's space agency, JAXA, was forced to stop an engine test for its Epsilon S rocket on Tuesday after a fire broke out at the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. The test, a key step in preparing for the rocket's debut launch, ended abruptly due to a "combustion abnormality" just 49 seconds after ignition. The incident could delay the rocket's first flight, initially planned for March-end, further complicating Japan's space program timeline.
Footage from the site captured the moment of the mishap, with an explosion followed by visible flames. Fortunately, no injuries or external damage were reported. JAXA assured the public that it would investigate the cause thoroughly. "JAXA will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the problem and consider countermeasures," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi during a press briefing. He emphasized the critical role of rocket development in securing Japan's autonomy in space exploration.
The Epsilon S rocket, developed in collaboration with the aerospace division of heavy machinery manufacturer IHI, is part of JAXA's effort to modernize its solid-fuel rocket series. However, Tuesday’s fire wasn’t the first setback for the Epsilon S program. Last year, a similar engine test failed due to thermal damage in its ignition systems, and a launch failure in 2022 further hindered progress.
This recent incident also impacted IHI’s shares, which fell as much as 6% during Tokyo trading. IHI Aerospace, a key partner in the Epsilon S project, confirmed it is also investigating the cause of the fire.
JAXA’s larger flagship rocket, the H3, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has faced its own challenges. Its debut launch last year ended in failure, but the program has since made a comeback, with three successful launches this year. The H3 has already been used to deploy Japanese satellites and has secured international clients, including French satellite operator Eutelsat.
The Epsilon S and H3 rockets are integral to JAXA’s plan to create cost-efficient launch vehicles, especially as global competition intensifies. U.S. companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab are leading the market, offering competitive and reliable launch services. To keep up, Japan aims to position itself as a strong contender in the commercial space sector.
Meanwhile, Japan’s private sector is also striving to make an impact. Space One, a company backed by IHI, plans to attempt the second launch of its Kairos small rocket on December 14. The first launch ended in an explosion earlier this year, but the company remains determined to be the first Japanese business to successfully place a satellite in orbit.
The challenges faced by JAXA and private companies underline the complexity of rocket development and the fierce competition in the global space industry. While setbacks like the Epsilon S fire highlight the risks, they also reinforce the importance of innovation and resilience in advancing space exploration
