Honda Just Broke the Internet with Copy SpaceX Rockets Landing. Could This Really Work

Honda Just Broke the Internet with Copy SpaceX Rockets Landing: The test you just witnessed was carried out by none other than Honda, a name synonymous with precision engineering in cars and motorcycles. But this time, they’re not making noise on asphalt — they’re reaching for the stars.

With the successful vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) test of its first-ever rocket, Honda has entered the high-stakes world of aerospace. What’s grabbing headlines isn’t just the milestone itself, but how closely Honda’s rocket mirrors SpaceX’s reusable systems.

So the question is — can Honda’s leap from roads to rockets really succeed? Let’s break it all down.

Honda’s Rocket Test: A Major Leap for Japan’s Private Aerospace Sector

A New Name in Space: From Automobiles to Aerospace

When we think of Japanese space technology, we usually think of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) — the force behind rockets like H-II, H3, and lunar missions such as SLIM and Resilience. But times are changing.

Now, Honda is boldly stepping into the private aerospace sector, aiming to reshape Japan’s space ambitions. On June 17, at a testing facility in Taiki, Hokkaido — a town dubbed Japan’s Space Town — Honda conducted its first VTOL test.

The Test Details: Precision Engineering in Action

The 56-second flight achieved:

An altitude of 271 meters
Landing accuracy within 37 cm of the target
Complete control across all phases of launch and descent

That’s no small feat — especially for a first-ever attempt.

Honda has been working toward this moment since 2021, following successful reusable engine trials. The results speak volumes: mission objectives achieved, system performance validated, and a clear path laid out for future tests — including a suborbital flight scheduled for 2029.

Is Honda Copying SpaceX? Let’s Talk Design Similarities

Size and Structure: Small But Strategic

Honda’s test rocket measures:

6.3 meters in height
85 cm in diameter
900 kg dry weight
1,312 kg when fueled

While modest, this prototype is clearly meant for basic flight verification, not full-scale orbital missions.

Foldable Landing Legs: Straight from SpaceX’s Playbook

The rocket’s four landing legs are eerily similar to Falcon 9’s. SpaceX uses legs that fold up and deploy before landing. Honda’s version folds downward — but the purpose is identical: stabilize the rocket during touchdown.

Given Japan’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean, a sea-based landing system could easily become part of Honda’s future plans, just as SpaceX uses drone ships for ocean recoveries.

Grid Fins for Controlled Descent

Just like Falcon 9 and Starship, Honda’s rocket is equipped with grid fins. These fins deploy during descent to:

Steer the rocket
Enhance aerodynamic control
Aid deceleration for precise landings

Again, the similarities are too strong to be coincidence.

Fuel, Materials, and More: Echoes of Elon Musk’s Blueprint

Methane Power: Clean, Cheap, and Reusable

During the test, the flame’s orange-blue hue revealed the use of liquid methane — SpaceX’s fuel of choice for Starship. Why?

Cleaner combustion
Lower cost
Better reusability
Easier production from CO₂ and water

Honda’s decision to adopt methane shows it’s following modern, forward-looking fuel trends.

Carbon Fiber Construction and Falcon 9 Aesthetics

While official material specs haven’t been released, the rocket’s sleek white finish and lightweight frame point to carbon fiber usage, just like SpaceX.

The tapered nose cone and cylindrical body strongly resemble Starship’s upper stage — again suggesting significant design inspiration from SpaceX.

Can Honda Compete? A Realistic Look at Their Aerospace Future

Suborbital by 2029 — Orbital TBD

While the first test was successful, Honda’s timeline is relatively slow. Suborbital missions won’t happen until at least 2029, meaning:

Full orbital missions could be a decade away
Competitors like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab will be far ahead
Honda may need a niche strategy to survive the competition

Payload Limitations and Scaling Issues

Given its small size, Honda’s current rocket won’t be lifting major payloads anytime soon. Unless significant scaling occurs — or unless Honda offers:

Cheaper launch costs
Faster turnaround
High reliability

— it may struggle to stand out in a crowded market.

The Automotive Advantage: Honda’s Secret Weapon

Sensor Tech and Control Systems

SpaceX leverages Tesla’s tech. Similarly, Honda’s expertise in automotive sensors, robotics, and precision controls can bring serious benefits to aerospace. These include:

Advanced flight stabilization
High-fidelity telemetry
Predictive maintenance systems

Production Efficiency

Honda is known for its lean manufacturing and automation. Applying these strengths could:

Speed up rocket production
Lower costs
Improve component consistency

These advantages might allow Honda to offer launch services faster and cheaper than traditional aerospace firms.

A Catalyst for Japan’s Aerospace Renaissance

More Reusable Systems, More Private Players

Until now, most of Japan’s launch vehicles have been expendable. Honda’s new design marks a paradigm shift.

Other private Japanese firms in the race include:

Interstellar Technologies
Space One
Innovative Space Carrier

Honda’s entry is likely to spark intense domestic competition, pushing all players to innovate faster.

From Starlink to the Moon: Honda’s Potential Roles

With the right development, Honda could support:

Japanese satellite constellations for communications and navigation
Suborbital cargo or tourism missions
Lunar exploration support, including landers or logistics rockets
Collaborations with NASA or ESA on deeper space missions

A Japanese Space Station?

After the ISS is retired, countries like Japan will need independent orbital infrastructure. If Honda’s rocket proves affordable and reliable, it could play a central role in resupply, module delivery, or crew rotation.

The Road Ahead: Promise, Pressure, and Potential

Challenges Honda Still Faces

Despite the excitement, serious hurdles remain:

Scaling up the rocket
Achieving orbital launch capabilities
Building a competitive pricing model
Developing a commercial launch schedule
Winning international clients
Securing long-term funding

Space is brutal — and even minor failures can cost billions.

But Success Is Possible

Let’s not forget: Honda nailed its first test flight — an extremely rare feat. Even SpaceX had explosive beginnings. Honda’s calm, calculated, and precise test could be a sign of what’s to come.

Final Thoughts: Is This a Copy or a Compliment?

Learning from SpaceX Isn’t a Crime — It’s Smart

Yes, Honda’s rocket bears a strong resemblance to SpaceX’s reusable systems. But that’s not necessarily a negative.

In fact, it shows that SpaceX has created a benchmark, and smart companies are now learning from its success rather than reinventing the wheel.

And if anyone can replicate that model with Japanese precision and discipline, it just might be Honda.

Conclusion: Could Honda Become a Major Space Player?

It’s too early to call, but the signs are there:

A flawless first test
A methane-fueled reusable engine
A clear roadmap toward suborbital missions
Deep expertise in engineering, automation, and control systems

Honda may not replace SpaceX, but they could carve out a vital role in Japan’s future in space.

And in doing so, they might just inspire a new generation of space innovators — both in Japan and around the world.

What Do You Think? Can Honda Compete with SpaceX?

Comment “YES” or “NO” below!

If you enjoyed this breakdown and want more updates on SpaceX and its growing list of global challengers, don’t forget to share, like, and subscribe!

Stay tuned — the future of spaceflight just got a little more exciting.

Tags: #HondaRocket #SpaceX #ReusableRocket #JapaneseSpaceIndustry #HondaVTOL #PrivateAerospaceJapan #SpaceExploration2025 #SpaceRace

FAQs

1. What is Honda’s new rocket project?

Honda’s new rocket project is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) spacecraft, developed as part of the company’s entry into the aerospace sector. The rocket is designed to be reusable and demonstrates Honda’s ambition to contribute to future space missions, particularly within Japan’s private space industry.

2. Did Honda copy SpaceX’s rocket design?

While not a direct copy, Honda’s rocket design is heavily inspired by SpaceX, especially in terms of foldable landing legs, grid fins, methane fuel, and overall aerodynamic structure. These similarities indicate Honda is following a proven path rather than reinventing one.

3. When did Honda conduct its first rocket test?

Honda’s first test flight took place on June 17, 2025, in Taiki, Hokkaido, Japan. The rocket successfully launched, reached an altitude of 271 meters, and landed within 37 cm of its target — an impressive start for a debut flight.

4. Is Honda’s rocket reusable?

Yes, reusability is a core feature of Honda’s rocket design. The test demonstrated the vehicle’s ability to take off and land vertically, a key requirement for reusable launch systems, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship rockets.

5. What kind of fuel does Honda’s rocket use?

Honda’s rocket uses liquid methane as fuel, which is known for being clean-burning, cost-effective, and highly suitable for reusable rockets. This choice aligns with the modern fuel standards seen in SpaceX’s Starship program.

6. What are the dimensions of Honda’s test rocket?

The test rocket is relatively compact, measuring 6.3 meters in height and 85 centimeters in diameter. It weighs 900 kg dry and 1,312 kg fully fueled, making it ideal for early-stage testing rather than orbital missions.

7. What are Honda’s long-term goals in aerospace?

Honda aims to conduct suborbital flights by 2029 and potentially support satellite launches, space tourism, and lunar missions in the future. Their long-term vision includes helping Japan build a stronger presence in space through reusable and affordable launch systems.

8. How does Honda’s rocket compare to SpaceX’s Falcon 9?

While Honda’s rocket is smaller and not yet orbital, it shares several key technologies with Falcon 9, including folding legs, grid fins, and reusable flight systems. It’s best viewed as a scaled-down, early-stage equivalent rather than a direct competitor.

9. Could Honda become a major space player like SpaceX?

Honda has the engineering expertise, financial resources, and production efficiency to become a serious player in the aerospace industry. However, catching up to SpaceX will require rapid development, international collaboration, and scaling beyond prototype models.

10. How does Honda’s rocket benefit Japan’s space program?

Honda adds much-needed diversity and innovation to Japan’s launch capabilities. It supports Japan’s ambitions in reusability, private spaceflight, and could play a role in future lunar and satellite missions — possibly even supporting a Japanese-led space station.

11. Are other Japanese companies also building rockets?

Yes, Japan’s private aerospace sector is growing rapidly. Other companies like Interstellar Technologies, Space One, and Innovative Space Carrier are also developing rockets, creating a competitive and dynamic ecosystem for space innovation.

12. When will Honda launch its next rocket test?

While specific dates haven’t been confirmed, Honda plans to conduct larger and more ambitious tests in the coming years, with a suborbital mission targeted for 2029. Further updates are expected as development progresses.