Japan has successfully tested a prototype reusable nuclear missile
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully tested a prototype of the RV-X reusable rocket, marking an important milestone in the development of Japanese space technology.
The test took place at a test site in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture.
During the test flight, the RV-X rocket ascended to a height of about 11 meters, traveled approximately 16 meters horizontally, and landed successfully. The total flight duration was about 40 seconds.
According to JAXA, the rocket is approximately 7.3 meters long and 1.8 meters in diameter, and its design features four landing legs, enabling the vehicle to be reused multiple times.
“The flight tests went well. I feel relieved,” said project manager Takashi Ito after the tests were completed.
JAXA noted that the data obtained during the tests will be used to develop the reusable Callisto spacecraft, which Japan is developing jointly with France and Germany.
Tests of Callisto, equipped with the same engine as the RV-X, are scheduled for April of next year. During these tests, experts plan to practice landing the rocket from a much greater altitude.
Currently, Japan’s main rocket, the H3, is a single-use vehicle, so the country is actively working to develop reusable space systems that will increase the number of satellite launches and significantly reduce their cost.
It is worth noting that last year, a subsidiary of Honda Motor—Honda R&D Co.—also successfully tested a reusable rocket, becoming the first private company in Japan to conduct such flight tests.
As a reminder, Lithuania is conducting official negotiations with the United States regarding the possibility of deploying a U.S. nuclear arsenal on its territory. Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas made this statement on June 3.
