Honda tests its own reusable space rocket

Honda R&D, a subsidiary of Honda Motor, announced the successful test of an experimental reusable rocket. The test launch and landing took place at the Taiki Aerospace Research Center in Hokkaido. This is the first time that a Honda rocket has landed after rising to an altitude of almost 300 meters.

The rocket is 6.3 meters long, 85 centimeters in diameter, weighs 900 kilograms, and has a loaded mass of 1,312 kilograms. During the test, the rocket reached an altitude of 271.4 meters, stayed in the air for 56.6 seconds, and landed within 37 centimeters of the target point. The landing was performed using retractable landing legs similar to those used on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The test confirmed the functionality of key technologies required for the rocket to be reused - stable flight during takeoff and descent, as well as a controlled landing.

Since 2024, Honda has been conducting hot-fire and hover tests of reusable rocket engines. The company notes that safety has always been a priority: for the current test, a 1-km-radius restriction zone was established, into which unauthorized persons were not allowed, and the rocket itself was equipped with a safety system to keep it within the permissible flight corridor.

The company views space as a promising area for realizing the potential of its technologies. Since 2021, Honda has been actively researching the possibilities of applying its own developments - from engines to autopilots - in rocketry. The goal is to launch its own satellites and create new services compatible with other areas of Honda's business.

Although commercialization of rockets is not yet planned, Honda intends to continue basic research with the aim of achieving suborbital launch by 2029. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said: “This successful test is another step towards reusable rockets. We want to offer customers useful services, solve environmental problems, and create technologies that make life more enjoyable.”