The Kairos rocket is based on technology developed by IHI Aerospace and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It is a relatively small rocket at 18 meters long and 1.4 meters in diameter, but is capable of putting satellites weighing up to 100 kilograms into low earth orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers.
Specs
Basic configuration: Solid fuel three-stage and liquid propellant upper stage (PBS).
Height: Approximately 18 meters.
Total weight: Approximately 23 metric-tons.
Diameter: 1.35 meters (fairing diameter 1.5 meters).
Launch capability: Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO): 150 kg (inclination 97 degrees, altitude 500 km).
Low Earth orbit (LEO): 250 kg (inclination 33 degrees, altitude 500 km).
By comparison, Japan’s primary large-scale launch vehicle, the liquid fuel H-IIA developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JAXA, is 53 meters long and 4 meters in diameter.
Kairos is the ancient Greek god of time and opportunity. According to a Space One press release, Kairos also stands for Kii-based Advanced & Instant Rocket System.
Management hopes that its solid fuel technology will enable Space One to provide the world’s shortest time from order to launch – only four days, compared with more than a month for liquid fuel rockets.
“SPACE ONE is a launch service that uses small rockets. We will offer the world’s shortest lead time from contractual agreement to launch as well as the world’s most frequent launching schedule,” the press release says.
Courtesy of Asia Times
