Space One
Japanese rocket company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SPACE ONE CO., LTD. (Japanese: スペースワン株式会社, Hepburn: Supēsuwan Kabushikigaisha; Corporate Number: 8010401132607[1]), or Space One (スペースワン), is a Japanese aerospace manufacturer, orbital launch service provider, and spaceport operator. It is a private spaceflight company developing and operating the KAIROS orbital launch vehicle for small satellite launches; KAIROS flew its unsuccessful maiden flight in March 2024.[2] The company was founded by investments from Canon Electronics (a listed subsidiary of Canon), IHI Aerospace (a subsidiary of IHI Corporation), Shimizu Corporation and the Development Bank of Japan in July 2018.[3]
Native name | スペースワン株式会社 |
|---|---|
| Company type | Private KK |
| Industry | Space industry |
| Predecessor | New Generation Small Rocket Development Planning Co., Ltd. |
| Founded | 19 July 2017 (de jure)
2 July 2018 (de facto) |
| Headquarters | Landmark Shibakoen 6F, 1-2-6 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011 Japan |
Number of locations |
|
Area served | Japan |
Key people | Masakazu Toyoda (President) |
| Products | Launch vehicles |
| Services | Commercial space transportation services |
| Owner |
|
| Website | www |
Rockets
Launch site
Shimizu Corporation constructed Space One's own launch site for KAIROS, named Spaceport Kii, as Japan's first-ever private sector spaceport, in Kushimoto, Wakayama, Japan between 2019 and 2021. The launch site provides access to various orbit inclinations.[6]
This spaceport is accessible from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) via Nanki–Shirahama Airport in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, and from Kansai International Airport in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.[6]
Accidents and incidents
Inaugural flight explosion
On March 13, 2024, the Kairos rocket exploded moments into its maiden voyage, aiming to become the first Japanese private company to deploy a satellite into orbit. The 59-foot solid-fueled rocket disintegrated shortly after liftoff from the Kii peninsula in western Japan, leaving behind debris and a cloud of smoke; there were no immediate reports of injuries.[7]
Second flight
The second flight took place on 18 December 2024, which was canceled because of a failed rocket shortly after launch.[8][9] The mission was planned to carry five satellites, including four CubeSats and one microsatellite.[10] These satellites include payloads developed by Taiwan Space Agency, Space Cubics LLC, Terra Space Inc. and Lagrapo, as well as an additional satellite owned by an unnamed customer.[11] The rocket began tumbling during 1st stage burn. The flight was terminated some time after.[12]
See also
- Interstellar Technologies, another private orbital launch services provider in Japan
- List of launch service providers
- List of private spaceflight companies
- List of spacecraft manufacturers
