Honda conducted the first test of its own reusable rocket

Honda R&D, the research and development subsidiary of Honda Motor, has successfully conducted a launch and return test of an experimental reusable rocket developed in-house.

The Honda test rocket is 6.3 meters tall, 85 centimeters in diameter, and weighs 900 kilograms. During the test, it reached an altitude of 271.4 meters and successfully landed within 37 centimeters of the target. The flight duration was 56.6 seconds.

This test allowed Honda to achieve the rocket's intended launch and landing performance and collect data during ascent and descent. Overall, this is the first such test by a Japanese company, and the aim is to demonstrate key technologies required for reusable rockets.

"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. 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," commented Toshihiro Mibe, Honda's global CEO.

The Japanese automaker has been conducting research and development in the field of space technology since 2021. Among other initiatives, the company is researching a renewable energy circulation system, which is a key robotic technology for use in space and reusable rockets.

Honda's overall goal is to launch satellites using its own rockets, which could lead to a variety of services that would be compatible with the company's other businesses. The rockets needed for this are still in the early stages of research and the company has no plans to commercialize them, but Honda wants to have its first suborbital launch by 2029.

Earlier this year, Honda sent its High Differential Pressure Water Electrolysis System to the International Space Station (ISS). The Japanese company's initiative aims to support life on space objects using regenerative fuel cell technologies that produce hydrogen, oxygen and electricity.