12-07-2025
Taiwan-made rocket stops flight mid-ascent in Hokkaido
A Taiwanese-made rocket was launched at the Hokkaido Spaceport in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, on Saturday, but it stopped flying during the ascent and did not reach its planned altitude of 100 kilometers.
The 12-meter, two-stage rocket lifted off at around 11:40 a.m. It was manufactured by a Taiwanese company.
According to the company that manages the spaceport, the rocket stopped flying during its ascent.
The company said the first stage of the rocket was confirmed to have separated, but the flight of the second stage was suspended later.
Footage taken by NHK shows the second stage of the rocket continuing its flight while rotating and falling.
Police say no injuries have been reported.
The launch was performed by a foreign company in the same group as the Taiwanese manufacturer of the rocket.
