KAIROS Rocket No. 3 to Launch Aiming for Japan's First Domestic Satellite Insertion
The KAIROS Rocket No. 3, launched by Space One in Japan, aims to place Japan's first domestically developed satellite into orbit.
Space One, a rocket company based in Tokyo, is set to launch the KAIROS Rocket No. 3 from a dedicated launch site in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, aiming to place a satellite into an orbit approximately 500 kilometers high. This launch would mark a significant achievement as it represents the first successful private domestic satellite insertion in Japan, moving away from reliance on international rockets for satellite launches.
Satellites play a crucial role in modern society, impacting areas such as position information, communication, weather forecasting, and security. Therefore, it is increasingly important for Japan to develop its own rocket technology, enabling the country to launch satellites whenever necessary. Currently, Japan's foundational rockets are inactive, and the development of other private rockets is still underway, leading to a rise in satellite launches being conducted by international companies like SpaceX.
The KAIROS Rocket No. 3 stands approximately 18 meters tall and weighs around 23 tons. It combines solid fuel stages for the initial launch phases and a liquid propulsion system for orbital adjustments in space. The demand for small rockets is growing globally as they offer customers the flexibility to launch on desired schedules and enter specific orbits tailored to satellite needs, which may provide Japan with a competitive edge in space technology.