Jul 11, Kathmandu - Japan’s space agency has successfully completed the first test flight of its experimental reusable rocket, marking a significant step toward reducing launch costs and strengthening its competitive edge in the global space market.

The test was conducted at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s Noshiro Test Center in northeastern Japan on Saturday. During the flight, the ‘RV-X’ rocket flew for less than a minute, remaining stable in the air before executing a safe descent, according to JAXA officials.

JAXA’s Reusable Rocket Project Leader Takashi Itoka reported that the rocket performed as planned during the test. The rocket reached an altitude of approximately 11 meters and traveled a horizontal distance of 16 meters before landing vertically.

While American company SpaceX has pioneered cost-effective space launches through reusable rocket technology, Japan is now actively developing its own capabilities based on similar principles.

This test is viewed as a crucial milestone for Japan’s space program, aiming to develop more affordable launch services compared to the current single-use H-3 rockets. The successful trial follows China’s recent announcement of its first recovered rocket stage.

The RV-X rocket, jointly developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, features an improved durable engine and four landing gears designed to withstand impact during landing. The rocket has a diameter of 1.8 meters and a length of 7.3 meters.

Project leader Itoka stated that the engine has successfully undergone 165 ignition tests so far. Japan is collaborating with France and Germany to further develop reusable rocket technology, with plans to lift the RV-X to approximately 100 meters in upcoming tests.

The Japanese government considers space transport capabilities strategically vital for national space programs and security.