Honda has announced the successful execution of a launch and landing test for an experimental reusable rocket, marking a significant milestone for its research and development subsidiary. This test, the first instance of Honda’s rocket making a landing, occurred after the vehicle ascended to an altitude of 890 feet, according to a press release.
The launch took place at a Honda facility in Taiki Town, Japan, a location the company is developing into a “space town” through collaboration with various public and private entities, including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The rocket, standing nearly 21 feet tall and weighing over 2,800 pounds at liftoff, achieved flight for 56.6 seconds, landing within 37 centimeters of its intended touchdown site.
Honda first revealed its ambitions for space exploration in late 2021. Although details regarding the project’s development have been limited, the company is drawing on existing technologies from various fields, including automated driving systems, to construct its inaugural reusable rocket.
The motivation behind Honda’s foray into rocket technology stems from an increasing demand for satellites that could enhance its core operations; however, the company has yet to formalize any commercial plans for its launch system.
According to Honda, “While our rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase and no commercialization decisions have been made, we will continue to advance our research with a goal of achieving the technological capability required for a suborbital launch by 2029.”
Achieving suborbital flight — reaching altitudes above 62 miles — would represent a significant success for Honda, although this elevation is insufficient for placing a satellite into orbit. The company will need to consider the requisite costs and requirements to reach its 2029 objectives, including whether it wishes to compete with established private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are already capable of launching into orbit.
