Japan Conducts First Lift-off and Landing Test of RV-X Reusable Rocket

14 July 2026National

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture. The rocket rose to about 10 metres, flew for around 40 seconds and landed safely, demonstrating vertical take-off and vertical landing (VTVL) technology. Jointly developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the RV-X supports reusable successors to the single-use H3 launch vehicle.

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JAXA: Established 2003 | HQ: Tokyo, Japan | Japan capital: Tokyo, Currency: Yen

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JAXA conducted the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket (VTVL), rising ~10 m for ~40 seconds at Noshiro, Japan.

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