JAXA Conducted a Test of the Reusable Space Rocket Prototype RV-X

In recent days, there has been discussion about the test (which took place on the morning of July 10) of the Chinese space rocket Long March 10B. This is a very important trial as the first stage will be used for both low Earth orbit missions and missions directed towards the Moon. At the same time, a few hundred kilometers away, JAXA also conducted a test on a prototype of a reusable space rocket called RV-X.

🇯🇵 RV-X test pic.twitter.com/zOd7M5Dpib — CNSPACE (@CNSpaceflight) July 11, 2026

Compared to the Long March 10B, this is a much simpler project and at a much less advanced stage. However, it represents an opportunity for Japan to develop proprietary technologies so as not to risk falling too far behind in comparison to international competition (especially the USA and China, but also India and Europe are developing reusable solutions).

According to reports, the RV-X prototype from JAXA lifted a few meters at the missile testing center in Noshiro (Akita Prefecture). This model is about 7.3 meters tall with a diameter of 1.8 meters and has a single thruster in the lower area. During the test, an altitude of 11 meters was reached, as planned.

The development of RV-X began back in 2016. Engineers have particularly focused on developing the engine, which should allow for up to one hundred launches (even though the engine has surpassed 160 ignition tests). For landing, four lower supports are anticipated, although the shape and features of the prototypes are still far from those of an orbital launcher.

The RV-X test first involved reaching an altitude of 11 meters, then a horizontal movement of 16 meters, before touching back down. The total duration of the flight was about 40 seconds. Now, JAXA will examine the data to understand how to further improve performance to meet the set goals. According to the reports, JAXA is collaborating with DLR and CNES (respectively Germany and France) for the development of the CALLISTO project, which will be much more advanced than RV-X, although it will borrow some components.