Epsilon S Rocket Test, Japan Space Station Fires

Japan's Epsilon rocket launched at November 2021. (doc JAXA)

JAKARTA - A large fire broke out at a test station for the launch of a Japanese rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center, Tuesday, November 26.

Fire and smoke soared into the sky in the country's latest incident of ambitious space program.

"There was an abnormality during today's arson test. We are trying to assess what happened," the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) told AFP in a statement, Tuesday, November 26.

There have been no reports of casualties in accidents in remote areas of Kagoshima, southern Japan, where the densely fueled Epsilon S rocket is being tested.

"No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause is also being investigated," the statement continued.

Based on NHK television station broadcasts, the fireball looks towering and white smoke billowing from the scene.

Journalists stationed about 900 meters (yard) away reported a major explosion after the arson test began at 8:30 a.m. local time.

Harian mediamenur Shimbun melaporkan, rencana badan angkasa tersebut untuk meluncurkan Epsilon S menjadi Epsilon pada bulan Maret 2025 kini hampir dimulai setelah kejadian ini.

In July 2023, an Epsilon S machine also exploded during testing about 50 seconds after the lighting.

In the incident, Kyodo News said, a piece of metal from the ignition melted and damaged the thermal insulator that covered the engine, which allowed fuel to catch fire.