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Space One

SPACE ONE CO., LTD. (Japanese: スペースワン株式会社, Hepburn: Supēsuwan Kabushikigaisha, Corporate Number: 8010401132607), 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. 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.

Rockets

The namesake of the KAIROS rocket, or Kii-based Advanced & Instant Rocket System, is the Greek word Kairos, which means 'time' and is also an alternate spelling of the name of Caerus, the Greek deity of luck and opportunity.

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.

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.

Accidents and incidents

Inaugural flight explosion

On March 13, 2024, 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.