Japan's space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its experimental reusable rocket on Saturday, marking a significant step toward developing reusable launch technology aimed at reducing launch costs and strengthening the country's competitiveness in the global space industry.
The RV-X rocket lifted off from JAXA's Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in northeastern Japan, ascended vertically, hovered, moved horizontally while maintaining an upright position, and landed safely during a flight lasting less than one minute. According to JAXA, the vehicle reached an altitude of about 11 meters and traveled approximately 16 meters horizontally before touching down as planned.
The successful test represents an important milestone in Japan's efforts to develop reusable launch vehicles that could eventually succeed the country's current H3 rocket, the mainstay of its space launch program, which is designed for single use.
