Honda's experimental reusable rocket is seen during what the company said was its successful test launch from the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on on June 17, 2025. Honda R&D Co. Ltd.

Honda's experimental reusable rocket is seen during what the company said was its successful test launch from the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on on June 17, 2025. / Credit: Honda R&D Co. Ltd.

Honda's advance came as Japan's space agency, JAXA, also hopes to be a key force in lifting satellites into orbit after the successful July 2024 liftoff of its nex-gen non-reusable H3 rocket ...

The rocket, developed by Honda R&D, reached an altitude of 271.4 meters (890 feet) and touched down just 37 centimeters (14.6 inches) from its target, according to a company statement.

Honda says that growing expectations of a "data system in outer space" are going to increase the demand for satellite launch rockets. So it quietly built one and tested it successfully.