A Japanese space startup experienced a devastating setback on Wednesday as its second attempt at launching a rocket into orbit ended in a catastrophic failure. The incident marks the company's second major mishap in just nine months, casting a shadow of doubt over its ability to succeed in the competitive space industry.
The latest launch attempt, which was intended to propel satellites into orbit, was abruptly aborted just minutes after liftoff. According to the company, the rocket self-destructed following a critical malfunction, causing it to plummet back to Earth in a fiery blaze.
This latest failure comes as a significant blow to the Japanese space startup, which is vying to establish itself as a major player in the burgeoning space industry. The company's first launch attempt in March ended in a dramatic explosion, sparking widespread concerns over the safety and reliability of its rockets.
Wednesday's launch failure is likely to raise questions about the company's ability to overcome its technical challenges and successfully launch a rocket into orbit. The incident may also prompt regulatory bodies to take a closer look at the startup's operations and safety procedures.
Despite the setbacks, the company has expressed its commitment to pushing forward with its ambitious space exploration program. However, it remains to be seen whether the Japanese space startup can bounce back from this latest failure and achieve its goal of establishing a presence in the highly competitive space industry.