Honda launched and landed a reusable rocket during tests at Japan's Taiki Aerospace Research Field. The 6.3-meter tall vehicle weighed 1.3 tons with fuel and flew for 56 seconds. Engineers watched the rocket climb to 271 meters before touching down just 37 centimeters from its target spot. Landing legs deployed like those on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets. The mission marked Honda's first successful rocket flight and landing.
The car company developed the experimental vehicle without outside help. Safety crews cleared a one-kilometer area around the launch site before the afternoon test. Special systems prevented the rocket from flying off course during the demonstration. Honda wants to reach suborbital space with future versions by 2029. The company follows Blue Origin's approach of carrying passengers and cargo on short space trips.
Reusable rockets cost much less than throwaway vehicles because companies can fly them multiple times. SpaceX proved this concept works with its Falcon 9 that lands after orbital missions. Japan's current space companies like Mitsubishi and IHI build rockets that burn up after single flights. Honda's success adds another option for Japanese space launches.
The car company developed the experimental vehicle without outside help. Safety crews cleared a one-kilometer area around the launch site before the afternoon test. Special systems prevented the rocket from flying off course during the demonstration. Honda wants to reach suborbital space with future versions by 2029. The company follows Blue Origin's approach of carrying passengers and cargo on short space trips.
Reusable rockets cost much less than throwaway vehicles because companies can fly them multiple times. SpaceX proved this concept works with its Falcon 9 that lands after orbital missions. Japan's current space companies like Mitsubishi and IHI build rockets that burn up after single flights. Honda's success adds another option for Japanese space launches.
