Honda Successfully Tests Experimental Reusable Rocket

Honda has successfully conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket, as announced by the company this week. This marks the first time Honda has successfully landed a rocket after reaching an altitude of 890 feet, according to a press release.

The launch occurred at a Honda test facility located in Taiki Town, Japan. The company has been developing this area as a space town through collaborative efforts between public and private sectors, including partnerships with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The rocket, which stands nearly 21 feet tall and weighs over 2,800 pounds at launch, flew for a total of 56.6 seconds before landing within 37 centimeters of its target touchdown point. The rocket utilized four retractable legs for both liftoff and landing.

Honda initially announced its ambitions in space flight in late 2021. Although the company has been relatively private about its progress, it is leveraging technologies previously developed in other fields, such as automated driving systems, to aid in the creation of its first reusable rocket.

The motivation behind developing its own launch system stems from the increasing demand for satellites, which could potentially benefit Honda’s other business ventures. However, the company has not yet finalized its plans for commercialization.

According to Honda, “Although Honda rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase, and no decisions have been made regarding commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research with a technology development goal of realizing technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029.”

A successful suborbital flight, defined as reaching altitudes of over 62 miles above sea level, would represent a significant achievement for Honda. However, this altitude is insufficient for placing a satellite into orbit. The company will need to evaluate the requirements to achieve its 2029 goal, including the associated costs, to determine whether it wishes to compete with other private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are already capable of conducting orbital flights.

As Honda continues its research and development efforts, the aerospace industry will be watching closely to see how the company navigates the challenges of entering the competitive space launch market.