After Epsilon-6 Rocket Launch Goes Wrong, JAXA Pushes Self-Destruct Button

Unfortunately, something went wrong when the third and second stages were separated.

JAXA explains (Opens in a new tab) “We observed that the vehicle was not flying as intended and determined that it would not be able to enter the Earth’s orbit.”

JAXA sent the self-destruct command about 10 minutes into the flight when it became clear that the rocket would not reach orbit. The payload and rocket exploded over the Pacific Ocean. There was no risk of debris hitting land or injuring anyone.

JAXA expressed its deepest regret to many individuals and entities, especially local organizations, that were involved in the payload satellites. They had high expectations for this project. Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of JAXA, has established a “special task force” to investigate the cause of the separation.