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    11 Jul 2026Science and Technology

    Japan's JAXA launches and lands reusable rocket

    India
    In Short এক নজরে

    The News in Brief

    Japan's Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully carried out the first launch-and-landing test of its experimental reusable RV-X rocket. The prototype rose about 10–11 metres, moved horizontally, and landed upright after a flight of around 40 seconds, marking a key step toward reusable launch technology.

    Place and Time

    • Place: Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
    • Time: 11 July 2026.

    Why this is important

    • Reusable rockets can significantly reduce the cost of space launches.
    • The test strengthens Japan's efforts to compete with reusable launch systems developed by companies such as SpaceX.
    • The technology will support Japan's future commercial and national space missions.

    Main points to remember

    • Rocket name: RV-X (Reusable Vehicle eXperiment).
    • Developed by JAXA with support from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
    • First successful vertical take-off and landing test.
    • Future tests aim to reach much higher altitudes before applying the technology to next-generation launch vehicles.