The rocket—roughly 6.3 meters in length, 85 centimeters in diameter, and sporting a 900-kilogram dry weight (1,312 wet)—was developed independently by Honda. It landed within 37 centimeters of the target touchdown point in Taiki Town, Hokkaido after reaching an altitude of 300 meters.

The test marked the first launch and landing test conducted by Honda with an aim to demonstrate key technologies essential for rocket reusability, such as flight stability during ascent and descent, as well as landing capability.

Announced in 2021, Honda has been pursuing research and development in the field of space technologies while viewing it as a place to take on challenges to realize the “dreams” and “potential” of people worldwide while leveraging its core technologies.

Examples of Honda initiatives toward creating new value in the ultimate environment of outer space include research into a circulative renewable energy system, key robotic technologies for use in outer space, and reusable rockets.

The in-house engineered reusable rocket utilizes the core technologies of Honda amassed through the development of various products such as combustion and control technologies. The carmaker started research in the hopes of one day launching satellites with its own rockets that could lead to various services that are also compatible with its other businesses.

Although Honda rocket research is still in the fundamental research phase, and no decisions have been made regarding commercialization of these rocket technologies, Honda will continue making progress in the fundamental research with a technology development goal of realizing technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029.