Japan space rocket ordered to self-destruct after failed launch. Japan’s space agency sent a self-destruct order to its Epsilon rocket after a failed launch. Public broadcaster NHK and other local media reported Wednesday.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was not immediately able to confirm the reports, which said a problem had been discovered that meant the rocket could not safely fly.
The Epsilon-6 rocket apparently experienced an issue that made it unable to fly normally, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said.
A JAXA livestream of the launch from Uchinoura Space Center in the southern Kagoshima region was interrupted and presenters said there had been a problem, without giving details.
NHK and other media outlets said it was Japan’s first failed rocket launch since 2003.
The solid-fuel Japan space rocket has been in service since 2013, and has been successfully launched five times.
Additionally, the Epsilon-6 rocket is 26 meters long and weighs 95.6 tons. It is designed to be an improved final entry in the Epsilon series.
It is smaller than the country’s previous liquid-fuelled model. And, is a successor to Japan’s solid fuel M-5 rocket that was retired in 2006 due to its high cost.
The rocket was taking several satellites into orbit, and is designed to launch in three stages.
Sources: AFP, Kyodo News