Japan successfully tests Epsilon S rocket engine after previous failures

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully conducted another ground test of the engine for its small Epsilon S launch vehicle.

The test took place at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture and lasted approximately 130 seconds, Kyodo reports. According to the agency, the trial was completed without any abnormalities.

Previous engine tests in 2023 and 2024 ended in explosions, with investigations into the causes of those failures still ongoing. In response, engineers adopted an alternative approach by replacing the problematic engine with the proven M-35a engine featuring partially upgraded components. The decision allowed the latest test to proceed successfully.

The last successful launch of the 27-metre solid-fuel Epsilon S rocket took place in 2021. Together with the liquid-fuel H3 launch vehicle, Epsilon S is considered a key component of Japan’s strategy to maintain an independent satellite launch capability.

By Vugar Khalilov