Epsilion-S (launch vehicle)

2023: Explosion during tests

On July 14, 2023, an engine explosion for the new Epsilion-S rocket occurred at the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) test site.

According to a spokesman for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Japan, the explosion occurred about a minute after the start of testing the second stage power plant. The released personnel shows flames bursting out of the wall of the test center, after which the fire completely engulfed the building. It is specified that there are no victims. The reason for the incident was not disclosed. It is noted that the explosion tore off the roof and part of the external walls of the building. The indoor fire was extinguished by firefighters about two hours after the incident.

So far, we have not received any reports of injuries from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, which is investigating the cause of the incident, said Naoya Takegami, a spokesman for the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The explosion of the Epsilon S engine on the test site is the latest incident in a series of setbacks that have undermined Japan's space ambitions. In particular, the new JAXA medium-duty H3 rocket was ordered to self-destruct during its debut flight in March 2023, when its second-stage engine failed to operate as planned. This followed the refusal of the Epsilon-6 agency's solid-fuel rocket in October 2022.

Japan's space program is one of the largest in the world. JAXA is developing Epsilon S as a successor to the current Epsilon series to boost the country's competitiveness in the growing satellite launch market. However, unsuccessful testing of the engine can negatively affect the timing of the project. Epsilon-series rockets use solid fuel, making it easier to prepare for launch compared to carriers that require loading liquid fuel.^[1]

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