Published：Jul 8, 10:29Last updated：Jul 11, 08:18

Japan's JAXA Tests Reusable Rocket Prototype

Jul. 8, 2026 10:29

Tokyo-based Ispace has secured 500 kilograms of capacity on SpaceX's Starship for a lunar mission, investing $50 million. The Starship is expected to land on the moon as early as 2030. This partnership marks a significant step in commercial space exploration. Ispace's involvement underscores Japan's growing role in the global space industry.

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9News

7Media

Jul. 11, 2026 08:08

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducted the first flight test of an experimental vehicle, RV-X, capable of multiple takeoffs and landings. The test took place on July 11, 2026, at a test site in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture. The vehicle successfully ascended to 11 meters, moved horizontally for 16 meters, and landed safely. This development is part of efforts to create a reusable rocket system.

Jul. 11, 2026 08:18

On July 11, 2026, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted a flight test of its reusable rocket, RV-X, at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Site in Akita Prefecture. The rocket ascended to approximately 11 meters, moved horizontally for about 16 meters, and landed safely after 40 seconds. This test marks a step toward reusing rockets for cost-effective space launches. JAXA plans to apply the data from this test to future experiments, including the CALLISTO project, a joint initiative with France and Germany.

Japan's space agency JAXA has taken a significant step in reusable rocket technology with the successful test flight of its RV-X prototype. The experimental vehicle demonstrated vertical takeoff and landing capabilities at the Noshiro Testing Center, marking Japan's entry into the competitive reusable launch vehicle market. The achievement comes as global players like SpaceX and China advance their own reusable systems. The Japan Times+2

🚀 Test Flight Details

The RV-X prototype ascended to 11 meters, moved horizontally for 16 meters, and landed safely after a 40-second flight. Conducted at the Noshiro facility in Akita Prefecture, the test validated key guidance and landing technologies. JAXA livestreamed the event, which space enthusiasts widely followed as Japan's first reusable rocket demonstration. China.org+2

🌍 Global Competition

The test positions Japan to compete with SpaceX's Starship and China's Long March 10B, which recently recovered its first stage from over 100 km altitude. JAXA aims to reduce launch costs to one-tenth of current levels by the 2040s through reusable technology. Meanwhile, Tokyo-based Ispace has secured SpaceX Starship capacity for lunar missions. Toronto Star+2

🔧 Future Developments

JAXA plans to apply RV-X test data to the CALLISTO project, a joint initiative with France and Germany. The agency also seeks to develop a lower-cost successor to its H3 rocket series. These efforts align with Japan's strategy to strengthen its position in the global space industry through technological innovation. RIA Novosti+2

💰 Economic Implications

Reusable rockets could dramatically reduce space mission costs, making Japan more competitive in commercial launches. The RV-X technology may eventually support lunar missions and other deep-space exploration projects, complementing existing partnerships like Ispace's Starship collaboration. Nikkei Asia+2

JAXARV-XSpaceXCALLISTONoshiro Testing Center