Key Takeaways
- Space One is set to launch the Kairos rocket for the third time on March 3, aiming to succeed after two prior failures.
- The launch will take place from Spaceport Kii in Wakayama Prefecture, with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. EST.
- If successful, five satellites will be deployed 50 minutes post-launch at an altitude of 310 miles (500 kilometers).
Launch Attempt by Space One
Space One, a Tokyo-based startup established in 2018, aims to make a significant mark in the small-satellite launch industry. The company is preparing to launch its Kairos rocket for the third time on March 3. Liftoff is scheduled for a 20-minute window starting at 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT; 11:00 a.m. local time in Japan on March 4). Live coverage of the event will be available via Space.com and the company’s own platforms, beginning one hour before the launch.
The Kairos rocket stands at 59 feet (18 meters) tall and is designed with three solid-fuel stages followed by a liquid-propellant upper stage. This rocket is capable of carrying up to 330 pounds (150 kilograms) to sun-synchronous orbit. Space One aims to increase its launch capacity significantly, targeting 20 missions per year by the end of the decade, and 30 annually in the 2030s.
Despite its ambitious goals, the Kairos rocket has faced significant challenges in its previous launches. The first attempt in March 2024 ended just five seconds after liftoff due to the flight termination system detecting lower-than-expected velocity and thrust. The second launch in December 2024 lasted longer but was ultimately terminated at an altitude of 62 miles (100 kilometers) following performance anomalies, resulting in the loss of five satellites.
For the upcoming launch, Space One plans to deploy five small spacecraft approximately 50 minutes after liftoff, targeting an altitude of 310 miles (500 kilometers). This mission, if successful, marks a critical step toward establishing Space One’s presence in the expanding small-satellite launch market. The company’s resilience and learning from past launches will be pivotal as they move forward in their quest for success in the aerospace industry.
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