Why Honda is suddenly launching reusable rockets
In June 2023, Honda made a significant leap into the aerospace sector by successfully launching and landing a prototype 20-foot-long reusable rocket at its research facility in Hokkaido, Japan. While Honda is predominantly recognized for its innovations in the automotive industry, the company has a rich history as a transportation conglomerate, having developed a diverse range of vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, e-bikes, ATVs, boat motors, and even jets. This recent venture into rocket technology showcases Honda’s commitment to exploring new frontiers beyond traditional transportation and positions the company as a potential competitor in the burgeoning space industry, particularly in the wake of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Honda’s research and development center, known for its groundbreaking innovations, has previously introduced significant advancements such as the world’s first in-car navigation system, the first mass-produced automatic braking system, and the first production Level-3 autonomous driving system. These achievements highlight Honda’s capacity for innovation and its willingness to push the boundaries of technology. The recent rocket prototype aligns with the company’s ethos of continuous improvement and exploration, suggesting that Honda may be looking to carve out a niche in the aerospace market. With the global space industry rapidly evolving, Honda’s entry could lead to exciting developments and new opportunities in satellite deployment and space exploration, making it a company to watch in the coming years.
As Honda embarks on this ambitious journey, it reflects a broader trend of automotive manufacturers diversifying into aerospace and technology sectors. The company’s foray into rocket technology not only underscores its engineering prowess but also signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape of space exploration and transportation. As Honda continues to innovate and expand its horizons, industry observers and enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching how this new chapter unfolds, especially in a market already dominated by established players like SpaceX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri_y9oKfeGo
In June of this year,
Honda launched and landed a prototype, 20-foot-long reusable rocket
at its research facility in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island.
Though the company is known mainly as an innovative and iterative carmaker, it is also a transportation conglomerate, having developed and produced motorcycles, scooters, e-bikes, ATVs, boat motors, and even jets. Its skunkworks R&D center built
the world’s first in-car navigation system
,
the first mass-produced automatic braking system
, and
the first production Level-3 autonomous driving system
. Still, aiming toward the stars and potentially launching a competitor to Elon Musk’s Space …
Read the full story at The Verge.
