Posted: Fri, Nov 29, 2024, 7:19 AM ET (1219 GMT)
A motor for a Japanese rocket exploded in a test Monday, putting the future of a small launch vehicle into doubt. The Japanese space agency JAXA performed a static-fire test of the solid-fuel motor late Monday (U.S. time) at the Tanegashima Space Center, but the motor exploded 49 seconds into the two-minute burn. No injuries were reported, nor any damage beyond the motor itself. The motor was being tested for the Epsilon S, a small launch vehicle that was slated to make its first launch next year. A similar test of the motor also ended in an explosion last year, raising questions about the design of the vehicle.

Related Links:

•  NHK article
•  Asahi Shimbun article
•  AP article