On June 17, 2025, Honda announced that it had successfully conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket at its facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, Japan. The rocket, developed by Honda R&D, reached an altitude of 271.4 meters (890 feet) and touched down just 37 centimeters (14.6 inches) from its target. This achievement demonstrates Honda's technological capabilities in rocket reusability, including flight stability during ascent and descent, and landing capabilities.

Space’s Greatest Comeback: The Reusable Rocket

A reusable rocket is an innovative type of spacecraft designed to return safely to Earth after completing its mission in space. Unlike traditional rockets, which are often discarded and lost after a single use, reusable rockets are built to withstand multiple launches and landings. This means they can be recovered, inspected, repaired, and flown again for new missions. By reusing the same rocket over and over, space companies save a huge amount of money on building new rockets from scratch each time. Additionally, this approach reduces waste and helps make space travel more sustainable and accessible for future exploration.

The Rocket

The experimental reusable rocket measures approximately 6.3 meters (20.7 feet) in length and 85 centimeters (33.5 inches) in diameter. It has a dry weight of 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds) and a wet weight of 1,312 kilograms (2,893 pounds). Although the rocket is small compared to SpaceX's Falcon 9, Honda's achievement is significant, especially considering the company's relatively new entry into the space technology sector.

Technological Significance

Honda's reusable rocket technology has the potential to reduce the cost of space operations, making it more accessible and sustainable. The company's research and development in this area could lead to innovative applications, such as launching Earth observation satellites to monitor extreme weather and track the effects of global warming. Honda's CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, emphasized that rocket research is a meaningful endeavor that leverages the company's technological strengths.

Future Plans

Honda plans to work toward a suborbital launch by 2029, which would mark a significant milestone in the company's space technology development. Although the commercial future of the program is unknown, Honda's research and development in reusable rockets could lead to new opportunities in the space industry.

Competition and Collaboration

Honda's achievement puts the company in competition with established players like SpaceX and Blue Origin, which have successfully tested reusable rockets to reach Earth's orbit. However, Honda's entry into the space technology sector could also lead to collaborations and innovations that benefit the industry as a whole. Other Japanese companies, such as Interstellar Technologies and Space One, are also working on reusable rocket technologies, indicating a growing interest in space exploration and development in Japan. 

As Honda continues to develop its space technology capabilities, its research and development could lead to significant breakthroughs in the space industry. With its sights set on suborbital launches and potential applications in Earth observation and satellite constellations, Honda's reusable rocket technology has the potential to make a lasting impact on the space sector.