Japan Successfully Tests Reusable Experimental Rocket

Tokiyo. Japan's space agency has successfully completed the first test flight of a reusable experimental rocket. Japan has been advancing the development of this technology with the aim of reducing space launch costs and becoming competitive in the global space market.

During the test conducted on Saturday at the Noshiro Testing Center in northeastern Japan, operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the 'RV-X' rocket made a flight of less than one minute. The rocket hovered in the air for a while, moved horizontally, and landed safely, JAXA stated.

According to Takashi Ito, head of JAXA's reusable rocket project, the rocket performed as planned during the test. The rocket reached an altitude of approximately 11 meters and covered a horizontal distance of 16 meters in a vertical position before landing.

While American company SpaceX has been reducing space launch costs through the use of reusable rocket technology, Japan is also seeking to develop capabilities based on the same technology.

This test is considered an important step for Japan's space program. It is expected to help in the goal of developing launch services at a lower cost compared to the currently used single-use H3 rocket.

Japan conducted this test the day after China announced the successful recovery of the first stage of its rocket. The RV-X rocket, jointly developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is equipped with an improved durable engine and four landing gears capable of withstanding the impact during landing.

The rocket has a diameter of 1.8 meters and a length of 7.3 meters.

According to project head Ito, the engine has successfully completed 165 combustion tests so far. JAXA is developing reusable rockets in collaboration with France and Germany. JAXA has also stated that plans are in place to take the RV-X to an altitude of approximately 100 meters in future tests.

The Japanese government considers space transportation capability strategically important for the national space program and security.