SPACE ONE CO., LTD. (Japanese: スペースワン株式会社, Hepburn: Supēsuwan Kabushikigaisha, Corporate Number: 8010401132607[1]), or Space One (スペースワン), is a Japanese aerospace manufacturer, orbital launch service provider, and spaceport operator.
[2] The company was founded by investments from Canon Electronics [ja] (a listed subsidiary of Canon), IHI Aerospace (a subsidiary of IHI Corporation), Shimizu Corporation and the Development Bank of Japan in July 2018.
[3] The namesake of the KAIROS rocket, or Kii-based Advanced & Instant Rocket System,[4] is the Greek word Kairos, which means 'time' and is also an alternate spelling of the name of Caerus, the Greek deity of luck and opportunity.
[6] On March 13, 2024, Kairos rocket exploded moments into its maiden voyage, aiming to become the first Japanese private company to deploy a satellite into orbit.
The 59-foot solid-fueled rocket disintegrated shortly after liftoff from the Kii peninsula in western Japan, leaving behind debris and a cloud of smoke; there were no immediate reports of injuries.