Honda efficiently launched and landed its experimental reusable rocket at its facility in Japan, the corporate mentioned in a shock announcement on Tuesday.
The rocket reached an altitude of 271.4 meters, or roughly 890 toes, and landed inside 37 centimeters, or roughly 15 inches, of the goal landing level, the corporate mentioned. The period of the flight was 56.6 seconds.
“The test was completed successfully, the first time Honda landed a rocket after reaching an altitude of nearly 300 meters,” in line with the corporate’s press launch.
The aim of the check, in line with the corporate, was “to demonstrate key technologies essential for rocket reusability, such as flight stability during ascent and descent, as well as landing capability,” which the corporate says it achieved.
Honda mentioned in 2021 that it’s conducting analysis and growth within the area of area applied sciences. The corporate now says it goals to launch a suborbital spaceflight by 2029.
“Although Honda rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase, and no decisions have been made regarding the commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research with a technology development goal of realizing technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029,” the press launch mentioned.
The corporate joins a crowded area of firms curious about reusable rockets. Honda mentioned it expects “greater utilization of a data system in outer space through expanded use of satellites” will improve demand for satellite tv for pc launch rockets within the coming years.
“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 endeavor that leverages Honda’s technological strengths,” Toshihiro Mibe, International CEO of Honda, mentioned in a press release.
“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,” Mibe added.
