JAXA Cancels Their Epsilon Launch Just In The Nick Of Time

The Epsilon Launch Vehicle is a solid-fuel rocket designed to lower the threshold to space, hitherto regarded as “special,” and usher in an age in wherein all can make active use of space. Under the banner of “the world’s most compact launch”, JAXA has sought to streamline assembly, inspection and other operations and to renovate the entire launch system, spanning operations, equipment and airframes. Ingenious approaches have been taken to reduce vibration and noise as well as to buffer shocks during satellite separation from the rocket in order to achieve a world-class ride. Four Epsilon Launch Vehicles have been launched from the Uchinoura Space Center, all successfully. *Image is courtesy of JAXA.*

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency‘s (JAXA) has scheduled the launch of their fifth Epsilon Launch Vehicle (Epsilon-5), carrying the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-2,at 9:51:21 on October 1st, 2021 (JST) from the Uchinoura Space Center and had worked toward this target; however, due to the necessity of additional examinations on the ground facilities, an emergency stop was activated approximately 19 seconds before the launch. Today’s planned launch, therefore, has been cancelled.

JAXA will provide updates on this situation and a new launch date will be announced as soon as such is determined.