The engine of the Epsilon S rocket caught fire during a satellite launch in Japan on Tuesday. However, there was no damage to the outer part of the rocket in this incident. This incident has happened for the second time with the Epsilon S rocket. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that this test was being conducted in the reserve area of the Tanegashima Space Center in southwest Japan. The incident is being investigated by the Japan Exploration Agency (JAXA).
A similar explosion occurred during the test of the same rocket last year as well. Experts have expressed concern over such an incident for the second time in a row, as this rocket was planned to be launched this year.
Ambitious plan of the Japanese government
Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the Epsilon S rocket is part of the ambitious plan of the Japanese government. Its objective is to ensure the autonomy of Japan’s space development and strengthen its position in the global market of satellite launching. In view of this, the government has fixed the date of its final flight next year.
The test was also done in February
Japan’s space agency had also tested this rocket in February this year. However, the launch of the H-3 rocket failed then. After this, three consecutive successful flights were made. This month also, it had a successful launch. The agency has made improvements by learning from the previous accidents and has expressed hope that it will be successfully tested on the scheduled date next year.