Japan's space agency conducts first test flight for experimental reusable rocket

Japan's experimental RV-X reusable rocket performed a successful "hop" test, rising about 11 m, moving 16 m horizontally and landing upright in its first flight.
The test is a key step toward cheaper, repeatable launches as Japan races to catch up with SpaceX and make its H3 successor more competitive.
RV-X, co-developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi (with international partners), uses a heavily tested engine and will aim for higher ~100 m test flights next.