Japan's JAXA Reusable Rocket Achieves Successful Test Flight and Landing

Japan's space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), announced on Saturday that its prototype reusable rocket has successfully completed its first lift-off and landing test. The test marks a significant step forward in cost-cutting rocket technology, a field currently dominated by SpaceX.

The prototype was launched from JAXA's test site in Noshiro, Akita region, and reached a height of approximately 10 metres (33 feet) before landing. According to JAXA, the entire flight lasted about 40 seconds.

Takashi Ito, who led the launch, expressed relief at the successful test. "I feel we have put a great deal of time and effort into this, and now that the prototype has taken off and landed without problem, I must say I feel a great sense of relief," he told reporters. Ito added that the agency would review the data to fully determine the success of the test, but he is confident that they obtained very useful data.

Most rockets are designed for single use, with components falling into the sea, burning up in the atmosphere, or remaining in orbit as debris. The first launch stage is considered the most expensive component, but reusable rockets can significantly reduce launch costs.

SpaceX has been operating its reusable Falcon 9 rocket since 2017. Meanwhile, China achieved its first successful reusable rocket landing on Friday, a breakthrough that could challenge U.S. dominance in the field. In June last year, a subsidiary of Honda became the first Japanese company to successfully launch and land a reusable rocket.

Japan is racing to boost the international competitiveness of its rocket industry. Its flagship H3 rocket was successfully launched in June, months after a previous mission to put a satellite into orbit ended in failure.