The experimental RV-X vehicle completed an autonomous flight lasting approximately 40 seconds, reached a height of 11 meters and landed at the planned location during a test conducted by the Japanese space agency.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully carried out the first flight test of the RV-X, a vehicle developed to evaluate technologies that could be used in future reusable rockets.
The test took place on July 10 at the agency’s testing facilities in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, in northern Japan. The engine was ignited at around 6:15 a.m. local time, causing the prototype to lift off vertically.
According to JAXA, the RV-X remained airborne for approximately 40 seconds. During the demonstration, the vehicle reached a height of around 11 meters, traveled about 16 meters horizontally and returned to the ground in a controlled manner, in accordance with the responsible team’s plan.
Cylindrical in shape and approximately 7.3 meters tall, the RV-X is equipped with a propulsion system developed to enable both vertical takeoff and landing. The project serves as a testing platform for control, navigation, propulsion and recovery systems.
Reusability is considered one of the main strategies for reducing the cost of space missions. Instead of discarding the main stages after each launch, the proposal is to recover part of the rocket, carry out inspections and prepare it for future flights.
Despite the low altitude reached during this first demonstration, the test represents an important step. Tests of this kind make it possible to verify the integrated behavior of the engine, sensors and systems responsible for maintaining the vehicle’s stability during ascent, lateral movement and landing.
JAXA said it will analyze the collected data in detail. The information will be used in the development of a new reusable experimental aircraft, produced in collaboration with research institutions from France and Germany.
Takashi Ito, director of the JAXA experiment, said the result brought relief to the team after a long development period. According to him, the expectation is to use the data obtained from the RV-X to increase the chances of success in the program’s next phase.
再使用ロケット実験RV-X（小型実験機）飛行試験の速報動画です！
離陸と着陸成功おめでとうございます！#nvslivehttps://t.co/AjMjQvG7BD pic.twitter.com/LBoAqLgTna— ネコビデオ ビジュアル ソリューションズ (@nvslive) July 10, 2026
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