In a dramatic turn of events, a major fire erupted Tuesday at a Japan space agency site during a test of the solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket. The incident took place at the Tanegashima Space Center in the remote Kagoshima region of southern Japan. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries in this intense blaze. 🙏
Towering balls of fire and thick white fumes rose into the sky, painting a shocking scene captured by national broadcaster NHK. The fire ignited during a combustion test that began around 8:30 a.m., with media personnel stationed approximately 600 meters away.
Just 30 seconds into the test, a large explosion was heard. Witnesses reported seeing something on fire flying toward the sea, adding to the chaos and alarm. 🔥🌊
The Sankei Shimbun newspaper described how orange flames burst from the rocket engine, which was placed on a horizontal platform, moments before the explosion. The dramatic visuals have since circulated widely, sparking conversations across social media.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, this incident raises concerns about the safety protocols during rocket testing. The Epsilon S rocket is a key component of Japan's space exploration plans, and this setback is sure to prompt a thorough review.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. 🌐
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
