Honda has successfully conducted a “launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket” developed by its research and development subsidiary, the company announced this week. According to the press release, this was the first time Honda has landed a rocket after it reached an altitude of 890 feet.
The launch took place at Honda’s test site in Taiki, Japan, which the company says is “developing as a ‘space city’ through joint efforts of the public and private sectors,” including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The rocket, which is nearly 21 feet tall and weighs more than 2,800 pounds, flew for 56.6 seconds at launch before “landing within 37 cm of the target landing point” on four retractable legs that also supported it during takeoff.
Honda originally announced its plans for spaceflight in late 2021, and while the company has not disclosed information about its progress, it is using technologies previously developed in other industries, including automated driving systems, to help create its first reusable rocket.
The company cites the growing need for more satellites to potentially benefit its other businesses as the reason for developing its own launch system, but has no definitive plans for how it will be commercialized.
“Although Honda’s rocket research is still in the basic research stage and no decisions have been made regarding the commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue to make progress in basic research in order to develop technologies to realize the technological potential to enable a suborbital launch by 2029.”
A suborbital flight – to an altitude of more than 62 miles above sea level – would be a major achievement for the company, but this altitude is not enough to successfully place the satellite into orbit. Honda will have to decide whether it wants to take the next step and compete with other private companies, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, that are capable of orbital flights based on what it needs to achieve its 2029 goal, including the cost of the program.
