"Japanese Space One Rocket Explodes Shortly After Launch"

A Japanese startup's solid-fuel rocket, Kairos, exploded shortly after liftoff, thwarting Space One's attempt to become the first private Japanese firm to put a satellite into orbit. The cause of the explosion is unknown, and there were no immediate reports of injuries. Space One aims to offer "space courier services" and had plans to launch 20 rockets a year by the late 2020s. This setback comes amid Japan's efforts to compete in the space race, with recent successes and failures in its space program.