Japan's RV-X reusable rocket prototype completes first hop test

JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have successfully completed the first flight test of the RV-X experimental reusable rocket prototype, marking Japan's entry into the reusable rocket technology validation phase.

The test took place on July 11 at JAXA's Noshiro test facility and lasted about 40 seconds. The 7.3-meter test vehicle, powered by a single engine, rose approximately 10 meters (33 feet) vertically and traveled about 15 meters (50 feet) horizontally across the concrete pad before touching down safely on the opposite side. The short flight went exactly as planned.

RV-X serves as a precursor to the CALLISTO project — a joint venture between JAXA, France's CNES, and Germany's DLR — which aims to design and build a single-stage rocket capable of vertical launch, landing, refurbishment, and reuse.

Japan's most advanced operational rocket, the H3, was introduced in 2023 but was not designed for reusability. While more efficient and cost-effective than its predecessor H-2A, the H3 still falls short compared to reusable rocket stages. JAXA is now actively developing next-generation alternatives.

"Reusable rockets require consideration of operational feasibility," JAXA said. "By repeatedly verifying maintenance, operation, vehicle movement and launch pad setup using an actual experimental vehicle in preparation for flight tests, we were able to establish operational procedures that will contribute to the repeated operation of future rockets."

The test bears resemblance to SpaceX's early Starship development. In 2019, the "Starhopper" prototype lifted about 20 meters (65 feet) off the ground at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas, paving the way for higher and longer flights. JAXA plans a similar progression: RV-X's next flight is expected to reach 100 meters (330 feet) with a lateral crossover and hover.

Currently, orbital-class rockets that have achieved vertical landing include SpaceX's Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and most recently China's Long March 10B.

Japan's RV-X reusable rocket prototype completes first hop test

Japan's RV-X reusable rocket prototype completes first hop test

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