The engine of Japan’s new flagship small rocket caught fire during a burn test on Tuesday, but no one was hurt or hurt, officials said. The second consecutive failure raises concerns about the progress of the Epsilon S rocket, which is expected to be launched next year.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that the test was conducted in a closed area of ​​the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan and that the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was conducting an investigation.

The fire was accompanied by an explosion and white smoke. Tuesday’s crash occurred just over a year after the same Epsilon S engine exploded during testing last year, according to JAXA. The agency said last year’s explosion was linked to damage to the engine’s ignition system and that JAXA had taken the necessary precautions since then.

“The development of flagship rockets such as Epsilon S is extremely important to ensure the autonomy of Japan’s space development,” Hayashi told reporters. he said. “JAXA will carefully examine the situation and take appropriate measures.”

The Epsilon S rocket is designed to improve Japan’s position in the growing satellite launch market, and its first flight is planned for early next year. Japan’s larger H3 rocket failed on its first launch in February 2023, but has since completed three consecutive successful flights, the most recent in early November.