The Japanese space agency JAXA has temporarily suspended testing of the Epsilon S rocket engine after a fire broke out at the test site at the Tanegashima Space Center. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
There is currently no information on injuries or material damage. JAXA representatives said that the situation in the test area is being assessed and the cause of the incident is being investigated.
The previous failure to test the Epsilon S engine has already caused a delay in the launch of satellites and the implementation of the Japanese space program. The new incident may become another challenge to JAXA's ambitious plans to develop national space technologies.
The Epsilon S rocket is being developed to launch a new generation of satellites and participate in international space projects. However, regular technical failures could jeopardize the timing of these programs.