October 12, 2022 (JST)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched Epsilon-6, with its payload composed of Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3, QPS-SAR-3 and QPS-SAR-4, at 09:50:43 on October 12, 2022 (JST) from the JAXA Uchinoura Space Center. At the time of deciding on separation of the second and third stages, we observed that the vehicle’s flight attitude was deviating from the target, and determined that it would be unable to enter the Earth’s orbit as planned. Then, at 09:57:11, we sent a command destruct signal, effecting a failed launch.

We would like to express our deepest apology to many people and entities, particularly local organizations and those related to the payload satellites, who had high expectations for this project.

We have set up a special task force headed by President YAMAKAWA, and started investigations to find out the cause.

We will keep updated the information, including findings from the investigations.
For more information, please refer to the related page of JAXA at:
https://fanfun.jaxa.jp/countdown/kakushin3-epsilon6/　(Japanese only)
(JAXA’s special site for Innovative Satellites Raise-3 and Epsilon-6 )