Japan Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket in First Flight Following China's Milestone

On Saturday, Japan conducted the first test flight of its reusable rocket, RV-X, which landed safely, marking a significant step toward lowering launch expenses and advancing with leading global space technologies.

The RV-X rocket took off and flew horizontally before landing during a flight lasting less than one minute at the Noshiro Testing Center operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in northeastern Japan. The event was broadcast live by the space enthusiast group NVS.

Japan aims to acquire this technology to reduce launch costs and compete in the global space market, currently dominated by SpaceX.

This test flight represents progress for Japan in developing low-cost rocket technology intended to replace the single-use H3 rocket series, which forms the core of Japan's launch program.

The Japanese test occurred one day after Chinese official media announced the country's first successful recovery of a rocket's first stage after launch.