Honda Marks Major Breakthrough With Successful Reusable Rocket Test
Honda has completed a successful test of its experimental reusable rocket, marking a clear milestone in its aerospace ambitions. The vehicle reached 271.4 metres and landed within 37 cm of the intended spot after 56.6 seconds. This result highlights rapid progress, and it also strengthens efforts toward developing sustainable space access. The achievement builds on research that began in 2024 through engine combustion and hovering tests conducted in Taiki Town, Hokkaido. Since then, the program has advanced steadily, and the latest test shows how quickly reusable systems can evolve.
Furthermore, global interest in reusable rockets continues to rise. SpaceX’s Falcon 9, for example, has flown more than 300 times since 2015, and its frequent missions demonstrate the economic advantages of recovery and refurbishment. As a result, more countries and companies are pursuing similar technologies, since each successful trial reduces overall launch costs and increases mission flexibility.
Growing Momentum in Global Reusability Efforts
Multiple studies have supported the economic value of reusability. Honda’s focus mirrors findings from a 2018 Acta Astronautica study that concluded reusable systems could significantly lower specific launch costs. In that study, Pozo et al. analysed Falcon 9’s economic impact. Using lifecycle cost modelling, they estimated reusability cuts specific launch costs by 30–50% after 10 flights, with breakeven at 3–5 reuses. Their simulations accounted for refurbishment variability, showing net savings even under failure rates up to 5%. These insights have encouraged new programs worldwide, and they also help shape expectations for future launch markets.
Meanwhile, international competition continues to intensify. China’s Long March 8R and Europe’s Themis program are advancing, although both face financial and engineering challenges. Despite these hurdles, interest remains strong because reusable launch vehicles offer a reliable path to more affordable space access. The trend shows no signs of slowing, and each new test accelerates innovation across the sector.
Economic Impact and the Path Ahead
Reusable rockets remain a game-changer in modern spaceflight. Traditional expendable systems required enormous budgets, which often exceeded $100 million per flight and limited access to orbit. However, recovering and refurbishing core components dramatically reduces these expenses. SpaceX demonstrated the potential in 2015 with its first controlled booster landing, and by 2023 a single Falcon 9 booster had flown 20 times. This consistency reinforced confidence in reusable operations and encouraged new approaches, including developments like Blue Origin’s New Glenn and China’s Long March 8R.
Further research continues to outline the long-term cost benefits. A 2022 Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets paper by Zapata et al. used real Falcon 9 telemetry to project that more than 100 reuses per booster could lower launch costs below $5 million, assuming 90% hardware recovery. As flight frequency increases, more data becomes available, and models continue to improve. Consequently, industry experts anticipate a future where launches approach airline-style operations.
Honda’s recent success in launching and landing a reusable rocket signals that eventually, many others will be building rockets like this. However, by the time that happens, Starship may have already reached Mars, keeping the technological gap wide.
