This article is about the Japanese space launch rocket company. For "SpaceOne", the Canadian lifstyle brand, see Nicholas Graham.
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The namesake of the KAIROS rocket, or Kii-based Advanced & Instant Rocket System,[4] 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.[5]
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]
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]
Third flight
The third flight of KAIROS took place on March 4, 2026, lifting off from Spaceport Kii at 9:10 pm but was also unsuccessful with flight termination measures being implemented at around 70 seconds after liftoff.[13] With this third failure the commercial viability of Space One was thrown into doubt as Japan seeks to increase its domestic launch industry.[14][15]
