Japan’s Epsilon S Rocket Engine Catches Fire During Test, Third Incident in Recent Years
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) reported that an engine being developed for use in the Epsilon S small rocket caught fire during a combustion test at a facility in southwestern Japan on November 26. This is the third incident involving the same engine in recent years.
Background
The Epsilon S is being developed as the successor to the current Epsilon series to enhance Japan’s competitiveness in the growing satellite launch market. The previous incident occurred in July 2023, when the same engine exploded during a test at the Noshiro Testing Centre in northeastern Japan. JAXA had added thermal insulation to the ignition to address the issue prior to the latest test.
Incident Details
The fire occurred shortly after the ground test for the second-stage engine began at 8:30 am. Flames emerged first, followed by the sound of an explosion around a minute later, and white smoke enveloped the area. No one was injured in the incident, and JAXA is examining the cause of the failure.
Previous Incident and Measures Taken
In July 2023, a piece of metal from the ignition melted and damaged the thermal insulator covering the engine, allowing fuel to catch fire and cause an explosion. JAXA had taken measures to address this issue by adding thermal insulation to the ignition prior to the latest test.
Impact on Space Program
The continuous failures could potentially slow down the progress of JAXA’s space program, which is crucial for the country’s competitiveness in the satellite launch market. The Epsilon S is designed to be a cost-effective and efficient rocket, but the recent incidents have raised concerns about its reliability.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the challenges faced by JAXA in developing a reliable and efficient rocket engine. The agency needs to address the issues and ensure the success of the Epsilon S program to maintain its position in the satellite launch market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the test of the Epsilon S rocket engine?
A: The engine caught fire during a combustion test, with flames emerging first, followed by an explosion around a minute later.
Q: How many incidents have there been involving the Epsilon S engine?
A: This is the third incident in recent years, with the previous two occurring in July 2023 and an earlier test.
Q: What measures has JAXA taken to address the issue?
A: JAXA has added thermal insulation to the ignition to prevent the same issue from happening again.
Q: What is the impact on JAXA’s space program?
A: The continuous failures could potentially slow down the progress of JAXA’s space program, which is crucial for the country’s competitiveness in the satellite launch market.