Latest news with #reusableRocket
Gizmodo
24-07-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Rocket Lab Has Some Genuine Competition for SpaceX, but It Can't Reach the Launchpad
California-based startup Rocket Lab is looking to compete with industry leader SpaceX with its upcoming launch vehicle, Neutron. But before it can debut its reusable rocket later this year, the company has to figure out a way to transport Neutron's components to the southern tip of Wallops Island in Virginia. Rocket Lab is awaiting approval to dredge a permanent channel to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, a spaceport surrounded by shallow waters and scarce infrastructure, TechCrunch reported. The company is racing to meet its deadline for Neutron's inaugural liftoff in September, but the rocket still needs to go through final preparations on its launchpad before it can launch, and it has to make it onto the island first. Stuck in the mud, Rocket Lab is contemplating an old-timey sailing technique known as kedging. The Virginia Commercial Spaceflight Authority operates MARS, a commercial launch site, in partnership with NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The site represents an ideal alternative to Cape Canaveral in Florida, which is experiencing increased congestion due to the steadily rising number of rocket launches. Rocket Lab began constructing its second launch site, called Launch Complex-2, for its Electron rocket in 2019, which has so far carried out four missions from its Virginia launchpad. In 2023, Rocket Lab began construction of a new launch site for its Neutron rocket, Launch Complex 3. Rocket Lab has already spent millions on Launch Complex 3, and it plans on spending another $5 million or so to dredge Sloop Gut, a channel in Accomack County, Virginia, that serves as a navigation route on Wallops Island. The company wants to remove sediment from the channel and dredge around 5,300 feet (1,615 meters), deepening it to 7 feet (2 meters) below the water to accommodate large barges carrying its rocket components to the island. Its request was approved by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in May, but the company is still waiting for the green light from the Army Corps of Engineers, according to TechCrunch. In the meantime, Rocket Lab is asking federal regulators for permission to use a technique called kedging, which involves using a series of anchors to haul a ship across shallow water. The company hopes the method will help transport Neutron's rocket parts in time for a launch this year. In case its request isn't approved in time, Rocket Lab suggests it can use ramps and cranes to transport Neutron's hardware across the waters or use a boat ramp. The clock is ticking for Rocket Lab to launch its Neutron rocket on time, a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of launching 13 metric tons to low Earth orbit. Neutron is Rocket Lab's answer to SpaceX's Falcon 9 (which can launch up to 22 metric tons to low Earth orbit), hoping to provide the industry with an alternative to sending satellites to space.
Sustainability Times
09-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'SpaceX Fears for Its Survival!': China's Private Rocket Company Stuns the World With Reusable Launch, Threatening to Eclipse Musk's Entire Space Empire
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Space Epoch successfully tested its reusable rocket, Yuanxingzhe-1, marking a major milestone in China's space exploration. successfully tested its reusable rocket, Yuanxingzhe-1, marking a major milestone in China's space exploration. 🌌 The test utilized Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL) technology, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship. technology, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Starship. 🇪🇺 Europe is making progress with reusable rocket technology, highlighted by the success of PLD Space's Miura 1 rocket. rocket. 🌍 China's advancements in reusable rockets could democratize space access, fostering innovation and international collaboration. In recent years, the global space race has taken a surprising turn as China makes significant strides in its space exploration capabilities. One noteworthy development is the successful test by Space Epoch, a Beijing-based company, of its reusable rocket, the Yuanxingzhe-1. This achievement signals a major milestone in China's ambitious space endeavors, which include goals in space tourism, orbital infrastructure, and lunar and Martian exploration. China's commitment to mastering reusable rocket technology, akin to that of SpaceX in the United States, is paving the way for a new era in space exploration. The Same Technique as SpaceX The groundbreaking test conducted by Space Epoch occurred on May 29, at the China Maritime Space Launch Center, located off the coast of Shandong province. The test involved the use of Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL) technology, a method pioneered by SpaceX with its Falcon 9 and more recently with Starship. This technique allows rockets to descend vertically using their own engines to slow and stabilize their descent, ultimately achieving a controlled landing. During the test, the Yuanxingzhe-1 rocket completed a 125-second flight. After a vertical takeoff, it reached an altitude of approximately 8,202 feet. At the peak of its trajectory, the rocket's engines temporarily shut off before reigniting to initiate a controlled descent. This maneuver enabled the rocket to slow and stabilize its return, culminating in a water landing in the Yellow Sea, as depicted in a video shared by Space Epoch on its WeChat account. Space Epoch hailed this test as a 'major breakthrough' in developing reusable liquid-fueled rockets. 'China Achieves Unthinkable Feat': This Bold Extraction of 99.9% Ultra-Pure Rubidium from Salt Lake Brine Stuns the World Where Does Europe Stand? The ability to reuse rockets is a crucial factor in reducing launch costs, making space missions more economically viable and accessible. This approach potentially increases the frequency of launches and facilitates the entry of diverse players into the space market. In this regard, Europe is striving to catch up but is making progress toward this ultimate goal. On October 7, 2023, the Spanish startup PLD Space achieved a significant milestone with its Miura 1 rocket, which reached a maximum altitude of 46 kilometers (approximately 28.6 miles). The rocket was successfully recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after a controlled landing. This marked the first European rocket designed for reusability to be launched, recovered, and proven capable of flying again. Meanwhile, other Chinese companies, such as LandScape, are also diligently working on similar technologies. Last year, LandScape successfully executed the first in-flight relighting of a Chinese rocket engine during descent, a technique now mastered by Space Epoch. Both companies plan to conduct their first orbital flights this year. 'China Fires Nine-Engine Monster': This Reusable Rocket Just Shook SpaceX's Dominance in a Way No One Expected Implications for the Global Space Industry The advancements in reusable rocket technology have profound implications for the global space industry. By significantly reducing the cost of launches, this technology democratizes access to space, allowing smaller companies and nations to participate in space exploration and research. It can lead to an increase in commercial space ventures, such as satellite deployment and space tourism, which could have a substantial economic impact. Moreover, the competition between nations and private companies to develop reusable rockets fosters innovation and accelerates technological advancements. This environment of competition and collaboration is likely to produce new breakthroughs in space travel and exploration, ultimately benefiting humanity's understanding of the universe. 'China Shatters Global Energy Records': Historic Surge in Solar and Wind Power Redefines the Future of Clean Electricity China's Role in the New Space Age China's commitment to developing reusable rocket technology underscores its determination to become a major player in the space industry. With the successful test of the Yuanxingzhe-1, China demonstrates its capability to rival established space-faring nations. The country's ambitious plans for space tourism, orbital infrastructure, and lunar and Martian exploration indicate its desire to expand its influence beyond Earth. As China continues to invest in its space capabilities, it is poised to contribute significantly to scientific research and exploration. The growing collaboration between China and other countries in space endeavors could lead to new international partnerships and opportunities for shared advancements in space technology. In a rapidly evolving space landscape, China's achievements in reusable rocket technology mark a pivotal moment in the global space race. As more nations and companies develop and refine their capabilities, the future of space exploration holds endless possibilities. What new frontiers will humanity explore next as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in space? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (22)
Sustainability Times
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
'We're Coming for SpaceX': Honda Shocks the Planet With Reusable Rocket Launch and Landing That Just Rewrote Japan's Space Ambitions
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Honda successfully launched and landed its experimental reusable rocket in Taiki Town, Japan, reaching an altitude of nearly 889 feet. successfully launched and landed its experimental reusable rocket in Taiki Town, Japan, reaching an altitude of nearly 889 feet. 🔧 The prototype vehicle is 20.6 feet long and demonstrates Honda's commitment to mastering reusable rocket technology for cost-effective space travel. for cost-effective space travel. 🌌 This achievement is part of a broader trend, with Japan's government and companies like Toyota entering the space race. entering the space race. 🌍 Honda aims for a suborbital launch by 2029, marking a significant step in the global push toward sustainable space exploration. Honda, a company synonymous with ground-breaking automotive technology, has now set its sights toward the stars with a successful test of its experimental reusable rocket. On June 17, at its facility in Taiki Town, Japan, Honda launched a prototype vehicle to an impressive altitude of nearly 889 feet. This major achievement marks an important step in Honda's strategic shift from terrestrial to space innovation, a move that is generating considerable excitement in both aerospace and automotive industries. As the race for reusable rocket technology heats up globally, Honda's latest endeavor underscores its commitment to pioneering advancements beyond Earth's atmosphere. Honda's Experimental Rocket Test In a remarkable feat of engineering, Honda unveiled its experimental reusable rocket, designed and developed entirely in-house. The vehicle measures 20.6 feet in length and 33.4 inches in diameter, with a dry weight of 1,984 pounds. This compact yet powerful spacecraft signifies Honda's bold foray into the realm of space exploration. On June 17, the prototype soared to an altitude of nearly 889 feet at Honda's testing facility in Taiki Town, Japan. The launch demonstrated not just the rocket's ability to reach significant heights, but also its precise landing capabilities, as it touched down merely 37 centimeters from its target. This entire flight, lasting just 56.6 seconds, offered invaluable data crucial for future development. The successful test is a major milestone in Honda's quest to achieve suborbital spaceflight by 2029, a goal that emphasizes the importance of reusability in making space travel more cost-effective and frequent. The test marks the beginning of Honda's journey in mastering key technologies such as flight stability during ascent and descent, along with pinpoint landing precision. 'Whales Are Talking to Us': These Majestic Giants Are Creating New Communication Methods That Could Transform Human-Animal Interaction The Reusable Rocket Race Honda's venture into space exploration is not an isolated initiative but part of a broader trend among automotive manufacturers to engage in the burgeoning space industry. In 2021, Honda first hinted at its reusable rocket ambitions, and since then, it has quietly progressed, even establishing a Space Development Division in the U.S. to facilitate collaboration and innovation. However, Honda is not alone in this race. The Japanese government is actively promoting its space industry, aiming to expand it to over $55 billion by the early 2030s with substantial subsidies to private firms. Major automotive competitors like Toyota have also entered the fray, with ambitions to advance the mass production of launch vehicles. Globally, the landscape of reusable launch vehicles has been transformed by SpaceX's Falcon 9, leading to a wave of similar developments in the U.S., China, and Europe. For instance, Blue Origin in the U.S. and various companies in China and Europe are advancing their reusable rocket designs. This movement illustrates a significant shift in how commercial space missions are conducted. 2.6 Million Golden Eggs: Secret Volcano Nursery Uncovered as Alien-Like Marine Species Breeds in Ice-Cold Death Zone Global Momentum in Space Innovation The global interest in reusable rockets is further evidenced by recent developments in Japan and beyond. Earlier reports indicated that a Japanese company is working on a 'winged reusable rocket,' adding to the growing momentum. Tokyo-based startup Innovative Space Carrier is also in the spotlight, planning to test a prototype reusable rocket in the United States later this year, leveraging an American engine. These efforts reflect a global trend toward sustainable and cost-efficient space exploration. Honda's Global CEO Toshihiro Mibe has expressed confidence in the company's space endeavors, emphasizing that the rocket research leverages Honda's existing technological strengths. The recent successful launch and landing test represent another step forward for Honda in the realm of reusable rockets, showcasing its commitment to innovation and excellence in space technology. 'This Thing Shouldn't Exist': Scientists Stunned as Humanity Witnesses This Deep-Sea Monster Alive for the First Time Ever Honda's Vision for the Future As Honda continues to make strides in the realm of reusable rockets, it sets a clear vision for the future of space exploration. Although the research is still in its fundamental phase, Honda remains dedicated to advancing its technology with the aim of achieving a suborbital launch by 2029. This ambitious goal underscores the importance of reusability in future space missions, promising a future where space travel is not just a rare feat but a routine endeavor. Honda's efforts reflect a broader industry trend where traditional automotive companies are breaking new ground in aerospace. As the company forges ahead with its space ambitions, it raises an intriguing question for the future: How will the evolution of reusable rocket technology continue to reshape our understanding of space travel and its possibilities? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (24)
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Honda Now Makes VTOL Rockets and Early Tests Are Encouraging
If we needed any further indication that the 21st-century space race is heating up, Japanese car maker Honda has thrown its hat in the ring with a successful test of a reusable first-stage rocket. Said to have been under development for at least six years, the rocket flew to a height of 900 feet before returning carefully and safely to the launch pad, completely intact. Although the space shuttle pioneered the idea of reusable launch vehicles in the 1970s, it was only in the 2000s and 2010s that the idea really took off. The SpaceX Falcon 9 became the first commercial launch vehicle to nail the reusable first-stage concept, but others have followed in its wake, and many more are expected from US and Chinese aerospace firms in the 2020s. Honda just demonstrated the first potential Japanese launch vehicle that could do much the same. In this test, Honda launched a small rocket, measuring just 21 feet tall and 2.8 feet in diameter, weighing just under 2,900 pounds when fully fuelled up. The rocket took off from its launch pedestal, retracting its landing legs in the process. It then flew carefully to its intended height of around 900 feet before extending fins similar to those of the Falcon 9 and performing a controlled descent. It touched back down within just a few inches of its intended target, according to Honda. The flight lasted just under a minute. Honda said that this test represented the successful deployment of "key technologies essential for rocket reusability, such as flight stability during ascent and descent, as well as landing capability." Honda has discussed its rocket efforts before. As Ars Technica points out, in 2021 it said it had been working on a small launch vehicle for the previous two years and hoped to develope a reusable rocket design that could take a metric ton of payload into orbit. Honda hasn't suggested whether this rocket is the prototype for that design or just a way to test key technologies. It has previously said it would work on rocketry until 2025/2026 and then make a decision on whether to continue, so this test may have been an important indicator of Honda's future plans. "In this market environment, Honda has chosen to take on the technological challenge of developing reusable rockets by utilizing Honda technologies amassed in the development of various products and automated driving systems, based on a belief that reusable rockets will contribute to achieving sustainable transportation," Honda said in a statement.
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
As SpaceX Explodes Again, Honda Successfully Launches Reusable Rocket
Honda's reusable rocket blasts off in northern Japan. The latest SpaceX rocket explosion is the fourth failure in a row for the company's embattled CEO and Tesla boss Elon Musk as he tries to rebuild his brand after controversial political aspirations. Meanwhile, Honda—not meaning to shine a light of SpaceX problems—has just successfully conducted a launch and landing test of its experimental reusable rocket in northern Japan. Honda's rocket climbed to 890 feet before landing just 15 inches away from where it took off. Honda's rocket flew for 57 seconds and then landed Honda is well-known in industry circles as one of the few carmakers who produces a multitude of non-car products including motorcycles, ATVs, power equipment such as generators, lawnmowers, outboard motors and snowploughs, the HondaJet and robots such as ASIMO. And now it's entered rocket R&D in earnest. At Honda's test facility in Taiki Town located in Hokkaido, Japan's northern-most island, the company launched a reusable rocket that flew for almost a minute to an altitude of 890 feet and then landed with pinpoint accuracy just 15 inches from where it took off, according to Honda. The rocket weighs 2800 lbs which equates to a small car. Developed in-house by Honda R&D Company, the rocket—which weighs 2800 lbs or around the same weight as a small car—shot up vertically, blasting off using its four legs from the company's test site in the northern island of Hokkaido. Honda says its Hokkaido facility 'has been developing itself as a 'space town' through the joint efforts of public and private sectors,' including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The 21-foot high rocket, ascended for 57 seconds before landing around 15 inches from the target touchdown point using its four retractable legs that also aided in its take-off. Honda first revealed its goal to go into space in late 2021. But while the carmaker has been tight-lipped about its R&D progress, it is using existing technology from other areas, such as automated driving systems, to assist in the development of its first reusable rocket. The company says that the reason for developing its own launch system is the need for more satellites that will potentially benefit its other businesses. According to Honda, its rocket research is still in its infancy, and no decisions have yet been made on potential commercialization of these rocket technologies. The company has the ambitious goal to enable a suborbital launch by 2029 but success here will require significant testing and perhaps a few failures. A suborbital flight – upwards of 62 miles above sea level – would be a significant achievement for Honda, even though that is not far enough to put a satellite into orbit. It will be interesting to see if Honda goes all the way, and ends up competing with other private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin that are capable of conducting orbital flights.
