Reusable Rocket Tested by Honda
Rocket Landed Intact After Reaching an Altitude of Nearly 900 Feet
The research and development subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. has conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket developed independently by Honda. The test included a launch, flight to nearly 300 meters and successful landing. It was the first time Honda has successfully landed a rocket.
"We believe that rocket research is a meaningful endeavor that leverages Honda’s technological strengths.” Toshihiro Mibe, Honda
This test marked the first launch and landing test conducted by Honda with an aim to demonstrate key technologies essential for rocket reusability, such as flight stability during ascent and descent, as well as landing capability. In the 56.6-second flight, Honda achieved its intended rocket behaviors for the launch and landing, reaching an altitude of 271.4 meters (≈890 feet), and landing within 37cm (≈15 inches) of the target touchdown point.
The test flight took place at the Honda facility in Taiki Town Hiroo District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Honda has been safely conducting engine combustion tests and hovering tests for its reusable rockets in Taiki Town in Hiroo District, Hokkaido, Japan since 2024. As with all previous tests, Honda conducted this launch and landing test while placing the highest priority on safety and with the understanding and cooperation of local authorities and residents.
“We are pleased that Honda has made another step forward in our research on reusable rockets with this successful completion of a launch and landing test," said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda. "We believe that rocket research is a meaningful endeavor that leverages Honda’s technological strengths. Honda will continue to take on new challenges—not only to offer our customers various services and value through our products, while addressing environmental and safety issues, but also to continue creating new value which will make people’s time and place more enjoyable.”
Honda says its rocket research is being driven by the growing expectation for greater utilization of data systems in outer space through expanded use of satellites. In light of this trend, the need for satellite launch rockets is also expected to increase in the coming years.
In this market environment, Honda has chosen to take on the technological challenge of developing reusable rockets by utilizing Honda technologies amassed in the development of various products and automated driving systems, based on a belief that reusable rockets will contribute to achieving sustainable transportation.
Although Honda rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase, and no decisions have been made regarding commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research with a technology development goal of realizing technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029.
Now this is really cool and exciting!