Japanese Rocket Epsilon S Engine Explodes Again During Testing for Second Time

On November 26, an explosion occurred during a test of the second-stage engine for Japan’s Epsilon S rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center, raising concerns about the rocket’s development timeline. The incident has put the planned debut of the Epsilon S rocket in March 2025, which was slated to carry a Vietnamese satellite into orbit, into question. With the explosion marking a significant setback, doubts now loom over the rocket’s readiness for its scheduled launch.

This explosion marks the second time in less than two years that the Epsilon S engine has failed during testing. The previous incident occurred in July 2023 at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center, where a similar engine failure caused considerable damage to the facility. These repeated failures have highlighted potential issues with the rocket’s design, prompting concerns about its reliability and the readiness of Japan’s space program.

In response to the explosion, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced an official investigation into the cause of the malfunction. Although the exact cause of the failure has not been determined, the agency has vowed to thoroughly analyze the incident to prevent future occurrences. Takayuki Imoto, the Project Manager for the Epsilon S program, expressed regret over the failure and reassured the public that JAXA would work diligently to resolve the issue.

As JAXA looks into the cause of the engine failure, the future of the Epsilon S rocket remains uncertain. The explosion underscores the challenges faced by space agencies in developing reliable, cutting-edge rocket technology. The agency’s investigation and any necessary redesigns will be crucial in determining whether the Epsilon S can meet its planned launch schedule and fulfill its mission objectives.