Japanese automaker Honda has successfully launched and landed its first reusable rocket. The test took place at Honda’s facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, a place now known as Japan’s “space town.”
The rocket was developed by Honda’s Advanced Technology Research Division. It reached a height of 890 feet, which is around 271 meters. The rocket stayed in the air for 56 seconds before safely landing just 37 centimetres away from the target spot. This was Honda’s first time landing a rocket after it reached such a high altitude.
The rocket is 20.7 feet tall and weighs about 2,893 pounds at launch. It uses a vertical take-off and landing system, also known as VTVL. This is the same technology used by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This method helps reduce the cost of rocket launches by up to 80%, making space travel more affordable.
A Honda spokesperson said, “This is more than just a rocket. It represents a fusion of our core technologies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Artificial intelligence controls the rocket’s guidance and landing system. Honda originally made this AI technology for its self-driving cars and humanoid robots. Now, the company is using it to guide rockets.
This shows how Honda is using its existing technologies in new and exciting ways.
“What began as a vision in 2021 has now taken physical shape. We are not just testing rockets — we are testing the future of mobility,” a Honda spokesperson said during the announcement.
Honda first announced its plans for space flight in 2021. Since then, the company has been working quietly but steadily. The company has not yet decided how it will turn this technology into a commercial product.
Honda said in a statement, “Although Honda continues its rocket research only in the fundamental research phase, and the company has made no decisions regarding commercialisation of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research. The company has a technology development goal of realising technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029.”
The company believes that having its own reusable rockets and satellites could help many of its other businesses. These include connected mobility services, drone traffic control, autonomous vehicle navigation, and space-to-ground communication. By launching its own satellite constellations, Honda hopes to support a wide range of future technologies.
This success also shows that Japan is not just following other countries in space innovation, it is becoming a leader. Honda’s progress adds pressure on companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab. It also helps start a new private space race in Asia. More Japanese companies, such as Interstellar Technologies and Space One, are now entering the space industry.
The town of Taiki is playing a role in this movement. Known for its joint efforts between public and private sectors, including partnerships with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), it is becoming a major hub for space research and development in the country.
Honda’s test did more than prove a rocket could launch and land. It also helped gather important data during the flight. Engineers will use this data to improve future designs. Honda plans to continue testing and development, aiming to launch a suborbital rocket by 2029.
