JAXA Successfully Launches and Lands RV-X Reusable Rocket Prototype, Joining Global Cost-Reduction Race

July 26, 2026

Space Japan

Overview

JAXA successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its RV-X experimental reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center, ascending 10 meters and performing a horizontal traverse before precise landing in approximately 40 seconds. This achievement signifies Japan’s serious entry into the global reusable rocket technology race, aiming to drastically cut launch costs and enhance space access. JAXA is leveraging this RV-X technology as a foundation for the CALLISTO reusable experimental vehicle, developed in collaboration with French and German space agencies.

In Depth

Key Findings

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully completed the maiden flight test of its RV-X experimental reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center. During the approximately 40-second flight, the rocket ascended as planned to about 10 meters, performed a horizontal translation, and then executed a precise landing at the target location. This success marks a significant milestone, indicating Japan’s serious entry into the global competition for reusable rocket technology, which is crucial for drastically reducing launch costs and enhancing access to space.

Technical & Test Details

The flight test of the RV-X prototype was designed to validate Vertical Takeoff and Vertical Landing (VTVL) technology. The rocket utilized an autonomous attitude control system and precise engine thrust vector control to achieve its accurate flight trajectory and landing. Building upon the technology developed through the RV-X program, JAXA is now collaborating with the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to develop CALLISTO (Cooperative Autonomous Low Latitude Icarus Space Transportation Organization), a larger reusable experimental vehicle. CALLISTO is an international joint project aimed at establishing fundamental technologies for future next-generation reusable rockets, with RV-X serving as a critical preceding demonstration.

Background & Industry Context

In recent years, major space agencies and private companies worldwide, including SpaceX with its Falcon 9 and Starship, Blue Origin’s New Shepard, and China’s Long March 10B, have heavily invested in reusable rocket technology. The ability to reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency is rapidly becoming the new standard in the space industry. JAXA’s success with RV-X demonstrates Japan’s capability to assert its presence in this global competition with its own proprietary technology, establishing an essential technological foundation for achieving low-cost and sustainable space access.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This successful test with the RV-X prototype represents a major step for JAXA towards potentially offering fully reusable launch services in the future. Moving forward, JAXA will leverage the data acquired from RV-X to advance its research and development in more sophisticated reusable technologies. Through the CALLISTO project and international cooperation, JAXA will accelerate its technology demonstrations. This is expected to strengthen Japan’s competitiveness in the global launch market and expand the possibilities for diverse space missions, including scientific exploration, commercial satellite launches, and even human space activities. The maturation of reusable technology is of paramount importance for enhancing the overall economic viability and sustainability of space development.

Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/another-reusable-rocket-coming-japan-launches-lands-rv-x-prototype-video

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