Reduces Costs of Space Missions: Successful Test of Reusable Rocket

Reduces Costs of Space Missions: Successful Test of Reusable Rocket

Successful Test of Japanese Reusable Space Rocket - AFP

Successful Test of Japanese Reusable Space Rocket - AFP

2026/07/11 21:49

Japan's space agency announced on Saturday its first successful launch and safe landing of a reusable rocket, an advanced step toward developing this technology that particularly helps reduce the costs of space missions.

The prototype, launched from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's test site in Noshiro (north), rose about 10 meters during an experiment that lasted approximately 40 seconds.

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Takashi Ito, the official in charge of the test, told reporters, 'We devoted a great deal of time and effort to this, and now that the prototype has taken off and landed without any problems, I must say I feel a great sense of relief.' He added that the space agency still needs to analyze the data to determine the extent of this success, expressing confidence in obtaining 'very useful data.'

Launching Satellites

Most launch rockets are designed for single use, with their parts typically falling into the sea, burning up in the atmosphere, or leaving debris in orbit. Developing reusable rockets allows reducing the cost of launching satellites and spacecraft. The American company SpaceX has been using this technology in its reusable Falcon 9 rocket since 2017.

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