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Japan's experimental reusable rocket safely returns in first test flight
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- Japan successfully conducted the first test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, the RV-X, which took off, hovered, moved horizontally, and safely landed within a minute at JAXA’s Noshiro Testing Center.
- The RV-X rocket reached an altitude of 11 meters and moved 16 meters horizontally while maintaining an upright position, marking progress toward developing cost-effective reusable launch technology.
- This test flight aims to help Japan compete with SpaceX by reducing launch costs and developing a successor to the single-use H3 rocket, which currently serves as Japan’s main launch vehicle.
- The development of reusable rockets is part of Japan’s broader strategy to secure a stable and commercially competitive space transport capability, which is also important for national security.
- JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries co-developed the RV-X, which features an engine with enhanced durability and shock-absorption landing gear, and future tests will aim to reach higher altitudes of around 100 meters.
