Officially joining the space conversation is Honda, most known for its motorcycles and cars. Developed by its R&D division, the Japanese company declared this week the successful launch and landing of an experimental reusable rocket. The test marks Honda’s first time landing a rocket following a flight, and the results were rather outstanding.

The launch took place at Honda’s test center in Taiki Town, a site that has been quietly becoming a major actor in Japan’s aeronautical projects. Public and private projects including support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have over the past few years helped Taiki become what some are now referring to as a “space town.”

This particular rocket test advanced Honda’s space effort. Rising to 890 feet, the vehicle stayed airborne for 56.6 seconds before descending within 37 centimeters of the target point. Given a company in the early phases of space development especially, that is an amazing degree of accuracy.

From Spaceflight to Self-Driving Cars

At launch, the reusable rocket weights more than 2,800 pounds and stands almost 21 feet tall. More than just help with takeoff, its four retractable landing legs supported a clear, steady touchdown at the end of the brief flight.

What’s special here is Honda’s leveraging of current technologies. Instead of beginning from zero, the company is using knowledge from other domains, especially its automated driving systems. Originally intended for road navigation and vehicle safety, these systems are now helping the rocket to have flight control and precision landing capability.

Not only about hardware here either. Now being developed to control rockets during high-speed vertical movement is the program that enables Honda’s cars to make real-time decisions. Early on in development, Honda has a special advantage thanks to a clever cross-over of technologies.

Though this rocket isn’t meant to reach orbit yet, the test emphasizes the possible Honda sees in having its own launch system. < There is a clear commercial case here as demand for satellite launches—especially for communication and data services—rose. These rockets could one day be used by Honda to launch tiny satellites supporting its other activities, including vehicle navigation, logistics, and connected technologies platforms.

Striking for Suborbital Space by 2029

Although the launch this week went well, it marks only one step on a far more protracted road. By 2029 Honda wants to reach suborbital space, which starts roughly 62 miles (100 kilometers) above sea level. Although they cross the edge of space, suborbital flights do not put satellites into orbit, hence they are a main testing ground for more advanced systems.

As yet, the company has not formally committed itself to commercializing its rocket technology. The effort is still in what Honda calls a “fundamental research” stage. That implies constant improvement, testing, and fine-tuning without any immediate intentions to provide launch services to outside customers.

Still, the development thus far indicates Honda is giving this top priority. Creating a reusable launch vehicle is not a minor chore; it calls for knowledge of propulsion, materials, guidance, and recovery systems. The successful test shows Honda is progressively developing those skills.

As the rocket program gets toward the 2029 target, much will rely on its cost, performance, and strategic worth. Only then will the business determine whether it is ready to enter the larger commercial space market, a field already controlled by big companies including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab.

Right now, the successful flight is evidence of what is feasible when a ground-transportation-oriented company targets the heavens. And Honda’s entrance could provide fresh ideas and new competition as the aerospace industry keeps opening up to private invention.

Honda is clearly no more than an automaker now. It is today a space innovator as well.