Japan's space agency halts Epsilon S rocket engine test after fire (updated)

IHI

26/11/2024 24:40

(Recasts with official confirmation, paragraphs 1-3)
    By Kantaro  Komiya
       TOKYO, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Japan's space agency has
halted an engine combustion test of its Epsilon S rocket, a
spokesperson said on Tuesday, after a fire broke out at the test
site, the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. 
    Footage from public broadcaster NHK showed a blaze breaking
out shortly after the ground combustion test started, with an
explosion heard as well. It was not immediately clear if the
fire caused any damage. 
    The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is checking
the situations 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
 7013.T  to develop Epsilon S, a next-generation model of the
nation's solid-fuel small rocket series Epsilon.     

 (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Tom Hogue)
 ((Kantaro.Komiya@thomsonreuters.com; Twitter: @kantarokomiya;))