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June 17, 2025 — Hokkaido, Japan – Honda has successfully conducted its first launch and vertical landing of an experimental reusable rocket, marking the company’s formal entry into the commercial space sector.
The test, carried out by Honda R&D at its facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, involved a 6.3-meter rocket that reached an altitude of 271.4 meters and landed within 37 centimeters of its target. The flight lasted 56.6 seconds and demonstrated critical reusability technologies, including controlled ascent, descent, and precision landing.
Honda began development in 2024, with prior work focused on engine combustion and hovering capabilities. The test included strict safety protocols, such as a 1-kilometer exclusion zone and automatic thrust cutoff systems.
The company aims to achieve suborbital launches by 2029, joining a growing list of private firms expanding into aerospace. While still behind industry leaders like SpaceX and Blue Origin, Honda’s entry signals increased competition in the reusable launch market.
