The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency reported on Saturday that a prototype reusable rocket successfully completed its first test launch and landing, marking a step forward in the development of this technology to reduce costs, a field dominated by SpaceX, writes UNN citing The Japan Times.
Details
The prototype, launched from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) test site in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, reached an altitude of about 10 meters, then landed.
According to JAXA, the flight lasted about 40 seconds.
"I feel we have put a lot of time and effort into this, and now that the prototype has taken off and landed without any problems, I must say I feel a huge relief," said Takashi Ito of JAXA, who managed the launch, to reporters.
Ito said the agency will analyze the data to fully determine the success of the test, but he is "confident" that "very useful data has been obtained."
Most rockets are designed for single use, with their components falling into the sea, burning up in the atmosphere, or remaining in orbit as debris. The first stage is considered the most expensive component.
However, the introduction of partially reusable rockets would significantly reduce the cost of launches.
SpaceX has been using its reusable Falcon 9 rocket since 2017.
However, China on Friday achieved the first successful landing of a reusable rocket, which could challenge U.S. dominance in this field.
China successfully launched a reusable rocket for the first time, like Musk's10.07.26, 17:58
In June last year, a Honda subsidiary became the first Japanese company to successfully launch and land a reusable rocket.
Japan aims to enhance the international competitiveness of its rocket industry.
Its flagship H3 rocket was successfully launched in June, a few months after a previous satellite deployment mission ended in failure.