Space One Poised to Make History with Third Kairos Rocket Launch
Japan’s Space One is gearing up for a pivotal moment on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with the scheduled launch of its Kairos No. 3 small rocket from Spaceport Kii in Wakayama Prefecture. This launch represents not only a third attempt for the Tokyo-based startup but also a potential breakthrough – a successful orbit achieved by a privately-owned Japanese company for the first time.
Overcoming Past Challenges
The path hasn’t been easy. Space One’s first Kairos rocket experienced an explosion immediately after liftoff in March 2024. The second attempt, later that same year, was aborted just three minutes into the flight. The company has stated that it has undertaken a thorough overhaul of the third unit, addressing the issues encountered in previous launches.
Space Express: A New Era of Satellite Delivery
Space One’s ambition extends beyond simply reaching orbit. The company is pioneering a “Space Express Service,” aiming to deliver small satellites with increased frequency and at a lower cost. This is achieved through a structurally simpler, 18-meter rocket compared to Japan’s larger flagship models. By reducing the number of components and utilizing commercially available parts, Space One is actively working to curb launch expenses.
Solid Fuel and Autonomous Safety Systems
The Kairos rocket utilizes solid fuel, allowing for storage in a fully loaded state and a significantly reduced launch preparation time. A key innovation is the inclusion of an autonomous flight safety system – a first for Japanese rockets. This system can independently detect flight anomalies and activate a self-destruct mechanism, reducing the need for extensive ground control personnel and streamlining launch operations. This eliminates the need for ground-based self-destruct commands, a feature of larger Japanese rockets like the H3.
The Growing Small Satellite Market
Space One’s timing aligns with the anticipated global expansion of the small satellite launch market. The company has a long-term goal of achieving 30 launches per year by the 2030s, capitalizing on the increasing demand for dedicated small satellite deployment.
Launch Details and Payload
The launch window for Kairos No. 3 is set for 11:00 a.m. On Sunday, though it could occur as late as 11:20 a.m. The rocket will carry five satellites into a roughly 500-kilometer orbit approximately 50 minutes after liftoff. One of the satellites is developed by the Taiwan Space Agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Space One’s “Space Express Service”? It’s a service designed to deliver small satellites to orbit quickly and affordably.
Where is Spaceport Kii located? Spaceport Kii is located in Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
What type of fuel does the Kairos rocket use? The Kairos rocket uses solid fuel.
What makes the Kairos rocket’s safety system unique? It’s the first Japanese rocket equipped with a fully autonomous flight safety system.
How many launches does Space One aim to achieve by the 2030s? Space One plans to launch rockets 30 times a year in the 2030s.
What happened during Space One’s previous launch attempts? The first Kairos rocket exploded after liftoff, and the second launch was aborted three minutes into the flight.
What is the payload of the Kairos No. 3 rocket? The rocket will carry five satellites, including one developed by the Taiwan Space Agency.
What is the altitude of the orbit the satellites will be placed in? The satellites will be placed in an orbit of roughly 500 kilometers.
When is the launch scheduled for? The launch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. On Sunday, March 1, 2026, though it could occur as late as 11:20 a.m.
What is the height of the Kairos rocket? The Kairos rocket is 18 meters tall.
What is the satellite launch capability of the Kairos rocket? The Kairos rocket can carry 150 kg to a sun-synchronous orbit (inclination 97 degrees, altitude 500 km).
How long does it take from contract to launch? Within 12 months from contract to launch (primary payload).
How far in advance are satellites delivered for launch? 4 days prior to launch.
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