Honda successfully tests reusable rocket prototype

The flight marked the first time Honda executed a controlled rocket landing after reaching an altitude of nearly 300 metres.

The test vehicle, independently developed by Honda, measured 6.3 metres in length and 85 centimetres in diameter, with a dry weight of 900kg (1,312kg when fully fuelled). It achieved a maximum altitude of 271.4 metres, remained airborne for 56.6 seconds, and landed just 37 centimetres from the intended touchdown point.

The objective of the test was to demonstrate core capabilities necessary for rocket reusability, including flight stability during both ascent and descent phases, and accurate landing control. The data captured during the test will be used to refine Honda’s approach to spaceflight and reusable launch systems.

Since 2024, Honda has conducted a series of safe engine combustion and hovering tests in Taiki Town, Hiroo District, Hokkaido. These efforts have been carried out with full cooperation from local authorities and residents, with safety as a central priority.

Honda entered the space technology sector in 2021, positioning it as an opportunity to leverage existing core competencies – such as combustion and control systems – and extend the company’s innovation into new, challenging domains. This includes exploring the use of robotic systems in space, circulative renewable energy solutions, and reusable rocket technologies.

The initiative began with a proposal from young Honda engineers eager to apply the company’s expertise in mobility to aerospace. By developing its own rockets, Honda hopes to eventually support satellite launches that align with and enhance its other business domains.

With rising global demand for satellite data and services, driven by increasing reliance on space-based systems, Honda believes that reusable launch vehicles will become a key component of sustainable space transportation.

While Honda's rocket programme remains in the fundamental research phase and no decisions have been made about commercial deployment, the company has set a goal to develop suborbital launch capabilities by 2029.

Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda said: “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 endeavour 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.”