Launch RV-X VTVL / Test flight

1st test flight of vertical-takeoff-and-vertical-landing RV-X small rocket (6.76 m tall, 1.83 m dia., 3,138 kg); 2nd test flight planned for March 14.

RV-X is the first of two flight experiments planned by JAXA in developing a reusable 1st stage for a next-generation launch vehicle. A 2nd vehicle planned to fly NET early 2027 is under the Callisto program (for Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation for Toss-Back Stage Operation) with partners from France and Germany.

The RV-X and Callisto projects are intended to acquire technology for safely operating reusable launch vehicles using liquid hydrogen as a fuel. This offers a higher specific impulse than kerosene or methane, for a lighter vehicle, but poses handling challenges, JAXA says.