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Japan Successfully Conducts First Lift-off and Landing Test of Reusable Rocket Prototype
📅 Published 15 Jul 2026 · July 2026
Japan Successfully Conducts First Lift-off and Landing Test of Reusable Rocket Prototype
- Who: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [JAXA].
- Where: Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
- Prototype: RV-X reusable rocket prototype, jointly developed by JAXA + Mitsubishi Heavy Industries [MHI].
- Dimensions: 7.3 m long, 1.8 m diameter, enhanced-durability engine, 4 shock-absorbing landing legs.
- Test: Rose to ∼10 m, flight ∼40 seconds, landed safely. Demonstrated Vertical Take-off and Vertical Landing [VTVL].
- Significance: First VTVL test for Japan, step towards reusable launch vehicle to succeed single-use H3 launch vehicle, reduce costs, boost global competitiveness.
- UPSC Relevance: GS3 - Space, Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology, Comparison with ISRO's RLV-LEX.
- Prelims: VTVL vs VTHL.
📝 Relevant Exams:
UPSC