A significant fire broke out on Tuesday at the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan during a test of the solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket. The incident, captured by national broadcaster NHK, showed towering balls of fire and white fumes rising from the site.
The combustion test began around 8:30 a.m., with media personnel stationed approximately 600 meters away observing the proceedings. Approximately 30 seconds into the test, a large explosion was heard, and flames were seen shooting toward the sea.
No injuries were reported as a result of the explosion. The Sankei Shimbun reported that orange flames erupted from the rocket engine, which was placed on a horizontal platform, prior to the explosion. This unexpected event highlights the challenges and risks associated with rocket testing.
The Tanegashima Space Center is a key facility for Japan's space endeavors, and incidents like this underscore the importance of safety measures in space exploration. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, investigations are likely underway to prevent future occurrences.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
