Epsilon Small Rocket Engine Test Ends in Explosion: Japanese Space Agency Devastated
Japanese Epsilon S Rocket Engine Explodes During Test
In a setback for Japan’s space agency, a small rocket engine of the Epsilon S rocket exploded during a test at the Noshiro Testing Center in Akita Prefecture, according to Kyodo News. The incident, which occurred on Friday, resulted in no injuries.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is developing the Epsilon S rocket as the successor to the current Epsilon series, aiming to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the satellite launch market. However, this recent explosion adds to the challenges faced by JAXA.
The explosion took place approximately one minute after the ground test for the second-stage engine began. Fortunately, there were no casualties. JAXA has been utilizing solid fuel in the Epsilon series rockets, which helps simplify launch preparations compared to rockets that use liquid propellants.
The Epsilon series has seen several successful launches since its first rocket took off in 2013. However, in 2022, an Epsilon-6 rocket had to be self-destructed after deviating from its intended trajectory. This incident led to the delay of the Epsilon S launch from fiscal 2023 to fiscal 2024, as it uses the same fuel tank as the Epsilon-6.
This recent setback highlights the challenges and risks involved in the development and testing of rockets. JAXA’s flagship H3 rocket also faced a similar fate in March, when it had to be self-destructed due to a failure of its second-stage engine ignition.
Despite these setbacks, Japan is committed to advancing its space exploration capabilities. The country’s space industry plays a crucial role in satellite launches and other space-related endeavors. It remains to be seen how JAXA will address the issues faced during the development of the Epsilon S rocket and ensure the success of future missions.
