Key facts
- Japan's space agency, JAXA, conducted a test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, the RV-X.
- The test flight took place at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in Akita Prefecture.
- The RV-X rocket successfully lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally, and landed.
- This technology aims to cut the costs of future space launches.
- JAXA is co-developing reusable rockets with France and Germany.
- Future test flights aim for higher altitudes, up to 100 meters.
Japan's space agency, JAXA, has successfully conducted a test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, the RV-X, at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in Akita Prefecture. The rocket achieved a height of 10 meters, hovered, moved horizontally, and landed safely during its less than one-minute flight. This development is a significant step towards reducing the cost of future space launches and enhancing Japan's competitiveness in the global space market, which is currently dominated by companies like SpaceX.
JAXA is co-developing reusable rocket technology with France and Germany, with plans for future test flights of the RV-X to reach higher altitudes, aiming for approximately 100 meters. The RV-X, measuring 7.3 meters in length and 1.8 meters in diameter, is equipped with engines designed for enhanced durability and four shock-absorption landing gear. This initiative aims to develop a lower-cost successor to Japan's current single-use H3 rocket series, which, despite a strong success record, requires further cost reductions to remain competitive.