Japan's space agency, JAXA, successfully launched and landed a prototype reusable rocket in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, reaching a height of approximately 10 meters during a flight lasting about 40 seconds. This milestone is a significant step in developing cost-effective space technologies, similar to SpaceX's approach. JAXA's Takashi Ito expressed relief at the successful test and noted the importance of analyzing data for further insights. The event occurs amidst Japan's strategic push to enhance its rocket industry's international competitiveness.

Japan successfully launches and lands reusable rocket

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency tested a prototype reusable rocket in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, on Saturday, with the rocket reaching a height of about 10 meters, and then landing. The flight lasted about 40 seconds. | AFLO

AFP-JIJI

X Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Threads Email PrintBookmark story Copy link

Jul 11, 2026

Japan’s space agency said Saturday its prototype reusable rocket successfully completed the first liftoff and landing test, marking a step forward in the cost-cutting technology dominated by SpaceX.

The prototype, launched from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA’s) test site in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, reached a height of about 10 meters, and then landed.

The flight lasted about 40 seconds, according to JAXA.

“I feel we have put a great deal of time and effort into this, and now that the prototype has taken off and landed without problem, I must say I feel a great sense of relief,” JAXA’s Takashi Ito, who led the launch, told reporters.

Ito said the agency will review data to fully determine the success of the test, but he is “confident” that it “obtained very useful data.”

Most rockets are designed for single use, with components falling into the sea, burning up in the atmosphere or remaining in orbit as debris. The first launch stage is considered the most expensive component.

But the deployment of partially reusable rockets would slash launch costs.

SpaceX has been operating its reusable Falcon 9 rocket since 2017.

China, however, achieved its first successful reusable rocket landing on Friday, a breakthrough that could challenge U.S. dominance in the field.

In June last year, a subsidiary of Honda became the first Japanese company to successfully launch and land a reusable rocket.

Japan is racing to boost the international competitiveness of the country’s rocket industry.

Its flagship H3 rocket was launched successfully in June, months after a previous mission to put a satellite into orbit ended in failure.

KEYWORDS

space(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/space), JAXA(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/jaxa), tech(https://www.japantimes.co.jp/tag/tech)

In a time of both misinformation and too much information,

quality journalism is more crucial than ever.

By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ