Honda R&D Co., Ltd., the research division of Honda, successfully launched and vertically landed a prototype reusable rocket at its testing site in Taiki, Hokkaido, Japan.
The test vehicle stood 6.3 meters tall, weighed about 1.3 metric tons, and reached a height of 271 meters (890 feet). Most impressively, it achieved a precision landing within 37 centimeters of the designated pad after hovering for over 56 seconds.
This test was part of Honda’s long-term vision to develop low-cost, small-scale reusable launch systems that can support satellite deployment and suborbital missions.
By 2029, Honda aims to develop a rocket capable of reaching suborbital space (~100 km altitude), marking a serious entry into the private aerospace sector.
While Honda has not announced any immediate commercial plans, the test marks a significant milestone. It positions the company alongside global players like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ISRO, showcasing the potential of traditional automakers to expand into space technology.
The successful test also underscores Honda’s ability to integrate its automotive expertise—particularly in control systems and fuel efficiency—into space applications.
The test vehicle stood 6.3 meters tall, weighed about 1.3 metric tons, and reached a height of 271 meters (890 feet). Most impressively, it achieved a precision landing within 37 centimeters of the designated pad after hovering for over 56 seconds.
This test was part of Honda’s long-term vision to develop low-cost, small-scale reusable launch systems that can support satellite deployment and suborbital missions.
By 2029, Honda aims to develop a rocket capable of reaching suborbital space (~100 km altitude), marking a serious entry into the private aerospace sector.
While Honda has not announced any immediate commercial plans, the test marks a significant milestone. It positions the company alongside global players like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ISRO, showcasing the potential of traditional automakers to expand into space technology.
The successful test also underscores Honda’s ability to integrate its automotive expertise—particularly in control systems and fuel efficiency—into space applications.
Honda R&D Co., Ltd., the research division of Honda, successfully launched and vertically landed a prototype reusable rocket at its testing site in Taiki, Hokkaido, Japan.
The test vehicle stood 6.3 meters tall, weighed about 1.3 metric tons, and reached a height of 271 meters (890 feet). Most impressively, it achieved a precision landing within 37 centimeters of the designated pad after hovering for over 56 seconds.
This test was part of Honda’s long-term vision to develop low-cost, small-scale reusable launch systems that can support satellite deployment and suborbital missions.
By 2029, Honda aims to develop a rocket capable of reaching suborbital space (~100 km altitude), marking a serious entry into the private aerospace sector.
While Honda has not announced any immediate commercial plans, the test marks a significant milestone. It positions the company alongside global players like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ISRO, showcasing the potential of traditional automakers to expand into space technology.
The successful test also underscores Honda’s ability to integrate its automotive expertise—particularly in control systems and fuel efficiency—into space applications.
