Honda's Hopper rocket soared 300 meters into the air and landed just 37 centimeters short of its target point, marking the second time Japan has achieved Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing (VTVL) after space powers the United States and China. For a company known primarily for its automotive and power equipment innovations, this step into rocketry is a bold one, establishing it as a serious player in the growing space industry.
"Hopper" successfully reached an altitude of nearly 900 feet and then made a vertical landing, showcasing key technologies for reusable launch vehicles that speak volumes about Honda's engineering prowess. Although it was a suborbital test, it validates their expertise in propulsion and flight control, giving a hint of possible future successes.
Honda's work on a launch system for a small satellite capable of delivering 1000 kg to Low Earth Orbit suggests that it wants to capitalize on the growing demand for low-cost access to space.
The undisputed leader in VTVL in the United States is the SpaceX space agency. Its Falcon 9 rocket, whose 1st stage booster is capable of vertical landing on both the ground and a drone platform, has revolutionized the economics of space travel. The ability to reuse expensive rocket parts has greatly reduced launch costs, making access to space more affordable. In addition to the Falcon 9, SpaceX's Starship program aims to create a fully reusable launch system designed for travel to other planets, with several high-altitude VTVL test flights already underway (super heavy boosters).
Another major player is Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, which has successfully demonstrated VTVL with its New Shepherd rocket. China has also made significant progress in VTVL technology, with both public and private entities actively engaged in the development of reusable launch systems. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the primary government contractor for the Chinese space program, is investing heavily in developing VTVL capabilities for its Long March series of rockets.
Honda’s entry into this risky and risky arena with its "Hopper" is a testament to the global nature of space innovation. It underscores the fact that the race for efficient, reusable technology to space is intensifying, with more players bringing diverse skills and resources. This competition ultimately benefits everyone, driving down costs, accelerating technological progress, and opening up new possibilities for human presence in space.
