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Japan Successfully Tests Prototype Reusable Rocket
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Technology

Japan Successfully Tests Prototype Reusable Rocket

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Japan's space agency successfully conducted the first test launch and landing of its prototype reusable rocket.
  • The test, aimed at reducing launch costs, saw the rocket reach about 10 meters before landing.
  • This development positions Japan to enhance its competitiveness in the global rocket industry, which is increasingly dominated by reusable technology like SpaceX's Falcon 9.

Japan's space agency has taken a significant step towards cost-effective space exploration with the successful test of its prototype reusable rocket. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducted the first lift-off and landing test at its facility in Noshiro, Akita region.

The prototype rocket ascended to a height of approximately 10 meters (33 feet) before executing a controlled landing. The entire flight lasted about 40 seconds, according to JAXA officials. Takashi Ito, who led the launch, expressed a sense of relief after the successful test, stating, "I feel we have put a great deal of time and effort into this, and now that the prototype has taken off and landed without problem, I must say I feel a great sense of relief."

While JAXA will conduct a thorough review of the data to confirm the test's complete success, Ito conveyed confidence that "very useful data" was obtained. The development of reusable rockets is crucial for slashing launch costs, as most rockets are designed for single use, leading to components becoming debris or burning up in the atmosphere. The first launch stage is particularly expensive.

I feel we have put a great deal of time and effort into this, and now that the prototype has taken off and landed without problem, I must say I feel a great sense of relief.

— Takashi ItoJAXA official leading the launch, expressing relief after the successful test.

This achievement places Japan in a race to boost its rocket industry's international competitiveness. SpaceX has been a pioneer in reusable rocket technology, operating its Falcon 9 rocket since 2017. China also recently achieved its first successful reusable rocket landing, signaling a potential challenge to U.S. dominance in the field. Notably, a subsidiary of Honda became the first Japanese company to successfully launch and land a reusable rocket in June of the previous year.

Japan's efforts come after its flagship H3 rocket experienced a successful launch in June, following a prior mission failure to place a satellite into orbit. This reusable rocket test signifies a renewed push for advancements in the country's space capabilities.

obtained very useful data.

— Takashi ItoJAXA official expressing confidence in the data gathered from the test.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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