Fire Disrupts Epsilon S Rocket Test in Japan

A fire erupted 49 seconds into a combustion test of the Epsilon S rocket engine at Japan's Tanegashima Space Center, marking another setback for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) after a previous engine explosion in July 2023. The incident caused a major blaze with no injuries reported, prompting JAXA to investigate the cause of the fire, which has led to delays in Japan's national space missions and satellite launches. The Epsilon S rocket, developed in partnership with IHI Corp, is a next-generation model in Japan's lightweight rocket series. Despite recent challenges, JAXA managed a successful H3 rocket launch earlier this year, showcasing resilience in its space endeavors.