France announced its own effort to build re-usable engines on the same day

Japanese automotive giant Honda has successfully launched and landed a small rocket.

Honda operates an R&D unit that pursues space technology and, in 2021, announced its intention to build and fly a re-usable rocket. The company developed a rocket engine and, since 2024, has conducted ignition and hovering tests.

That work all came together on Tuesday when the company launched a test vehicle that climbed to 271.4 meters above the ground, then descended and landed safely. Here’s a video of the 56.6-second flight.

Youtube Video

The test rocket was far smaller than a craft capable of climbing into orbit with a significant commercial a useful payload, as it was just 6.3 meters in length, 85 centimeters in diameter, and weighed 1,312kg including fuel.

While pleased with the success of the test, Honda hasn’t decided to commercialize its rocket tech but has pledged to continue ...