New rocket, new launch pad, new launch provider!

Scheduled for (UTC) 2024-03-13 02:01
Scheduled for (local) 2024-03-13 11:01 (JST)
Launch site Space One Launch Pad, Space Port Kii, in Kushimoto, Japan.
Launch vehicle KAIROS
Launch provider Space One
Mission success criteria Successful launch and deployment of payload into Sun-Synchronous Orbit

Livestreams

Stream Link
TV Wakayama [Official] (Japanese) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ_tADK3BYo
The Launch Pad (unofficial re-stream) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhs7QEvGv6Q
RocketGyan (unofficial re-stream) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21V_sxVgZxI

Space One

Space One is a Japanese private spaceflight company aiming to develop and eventually operate a launch vehicle for small satellites. Founded in 2018 July with investments from Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, Shimizu Corporation and the Development Bank of Japan.

KAIROS

KAIROS is a 4-stage launch vehicle, with 3 solid-propellant stages and one 1 liquid-propellant upper stage.

Stats

☑️ 1st ever launch of KAIROS

☑️ 1st ever launch from Space One Launch Pad

☑️ 1st ever Space One launch

☑️ 2nd Japanese launch this year

Payload info (NextSpaceflight)

Will launch a prototype “quick response” satellite for the Japanese government Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center, operator of the IGS series of Japanese spysats.

  • threelonmusketeersOPMEnglish
    3·
    10 months ago

    I love this little story on the impact/influence on the local community:

    https://newsonjapan.com/article/141073.php

    A local confectionery store, not wanting to miss the opportunity to attract visitors, is selling manju shaped like rockets. It took four years to complete the product. Masao Maruyama, the manufacturing manager, says, “I hope people who come to see the rocket will eat the sweets I made with my heart, feel the memories of the rocket and Kushimoto, and think it was good to come to Kushimoto.”

    Video of said manju: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wXr4_kylBc

    It seems like the community are embracing the space industry as an opportunity to boost the local economy. I wish them all the best! (and those manju look tasty…)