Japan’s space agency halts Epsilon S rocket engine test after fire

TOKYO – Japan’s space agency has halted an engine combustion test of its Epsilon S rocket, a spokesperson said on Nov 26, after a fire broke out at the test site, the Tanegashima Space Centre in southwestern Japan.

Footage from public broadcaster NHK showed a blaze breaking out shortly after the ground combustion test started, accompanied by the sound of an explosion. It was not immediately clear if the fire caused any damage.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is checking the situation at the site, the spokesperson said.

A previous engine test failure of the Epsilon S rocket in July 2023 led to months of investigation that caused delays in Japan’s national space missions and satellite launch plans.

JAXA has partnered with the aerospace unit of IHI Corp to develop Epsilon S, a next-generation model of the nation’s solid-fuel small rocket series Epsilon. REUTERS