Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will test-launch an experimental
reusable rocket, the RV-X, on Saturday from its Noshiro Rocket Test Center in
Akita prefecture to cut launch costs and respond to SpaceX technology. The
flight, originally planned for March, was delayed by bad weather and equipment
faults. JAXA has been developing reusable launchers since 2016 and carried out
multiple engine burn tests last year; it aims to field a lower-cost reusable
rocket in the early 2030s to replace the H3 as its primary launcher.
