Honda conducts successful launch and landing of experimental reusable rocket

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Comparison to SpaceX and Existing Launchers

  • Many see this as analogous to SpaceX’s early “Grasshopper / Starhopper”-style hops: a small tech demonstrator, not yet an alternative to Falcon 9 or other orbital systems.
  • Commenters emphasize that the rocket went only ~300 m, far from orbital-class reuse; several note 1990s DC‑X tests and multiple Chinese test vehicles as prior art for such hops.
  • Consensus: this is not “competition to SpaceX” yet, but a foundational step that could shorten Honda’s path if they pursue orbit-capable vehicles.

Scale, Role, and Seriousness of the Honda Vehicle

  • Specs discussed: ~6.3 m tall, ~85 cm diameter, ~900 kg dry / ~1,312 kg wet – essentially “car-sized.”
  • Many infer it’s a pure R&D platform for control algorithms, propulsion, and landing gear, not part of a defined commercial launcher family.
  • Honda’s own press language (still in “fundamental research phase,” no commercialization decision) reinforces that this is exploratory engineering and possibly talent development.

Why Reusable Rockets Seem “Easier” Now

  • One camp argues nothing is actually easy: only SpaceX has routine first-stage reuse after orbital missions; others (Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, several Chinese firms) are still catching up.
  • Another camp stresses enablers:
    • Proven feasibility (psychological / investor shift, “4-minute mile” analogy).
    • Better simulation, CFD, and in-house tools for engine design and control.
    • Advances in throttling (e.g., injectors, combustion stability) and manufacturing (3D-printed copper channels, improved tooling).
  • Several point out economics and risk appetite: government contracts, self-insurance, and “test on customer flights” strategies were pivotal for SpaceX; traditional agencies and incumbents remain more risk‑averse.

Market, Competition, and Strategy

  • Some expect more entrants now that reusability is proven, eventually eroding any one provider’s dominance, drawing analogies to past tech markets (servers, search, EVs).
  • Others counter that national security, subsidies, and institutional inertia keep legacy expendable programs alive; reusability is not yet an “extinction-level event” for them.
  • Honda is widely viewed as unlikely to become a full launch provider soon; this is seen more as high-end R&D than a near-term commercial play.

Tech Details and Propellants

  • The clean exhaust plume prompts speculation about hydrolox or methalox; commenters note Honda’s prior hydrogen work but agree details are unclear.
  • Observers highlight the smooth, continuous-burn landing and compact legs, comparing the aesthetics and mechanics to earlier VTOL prototypes.

Honda Brand, Culture, and .honda TLD

  • Many react with amused surprise that “Honda” and “reusable rocket” now coexist—but also recall Honda’s jets, robotics (ASIMO), motorsports, and even biotech research.
  • The .honda top-level domain sparks a side discussion about brand TLDs, ICANN’s fee-driven expansion, and companies’ increasingly fragmented domain strategies.