Why Honda is testing reusable rockets
What's the story
Japanese automotive giant Honda made a surprising foray into space technology by successfully launching and landing a prototype reusable rocket. The 20-foot-long vehicle was launched from Honda's research facility in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The company's space development strategy is now being headed by Kazuo Sakurahara, a former director of Honda's Formula One racing team.
Expansion
Diverse transportation portfolio and space ambitions
Honda is not just an innovative carmaker but also a transportation conglomerate. The company has developed and manufactured motorcycles, scooters, e-bikes, ATVs, boat motors, and jets. Despite its diverse capabilities, the idea of venturing into space seemed far-fetched for Honda. However, Sakurahara sees it as a logical progression in their business strategy. He said "Honda products have already expanded across land, sea and sky."
Strategic use
Honda's rocket: A tool for satellite deployment
The primary goal of Honda's rocket project is to "contribute more to people's daily lives." However, the company also sees rockets as a key part of its core businesses. Sakurahara said the rocket could be used for launching satellites that would support mobility, energy, and communication. Sam Abuelsamid from Telemetry consulting group sees this plan as a way for Honda to potentially use these satellites in its own vehicles or sell this capability to other manufacturers.
Geopolitical factors
A response to geopolitical uncertainties
Abuelsamid also sees Honda's move toward space as a response to the geopolitical uncertainties introduced by the Trump administration and Japan's neighbors like China and North Korea. He said these technologies could provide defensive capabilities and that they probably realized they don't want to be overly dependent on the US for that at this point.
Sustainable tech
Circulative energy system for lunar colonies
Sakurahara also revealed Honda's circulative energy system, a new application of its 30 years of fuel cell technology development. The system is designed to support sustainable activities in space, like human colonies on the moon. A vertical solar array created with the U.S.-based company Astrobotic will generate electricity during lunar daylight and electrolyze water with a proprietary system that can produce oxygen and supply hydrogen pressurized to 10,000 psi without a compressor.
Robotic development
Honda's avatar robots for off-Earth use
Years after shutting down its 30+-year-long ASIMO android program, Honda is repurposing that project to develop human-controlled avatar robots for off-Earth use. These strong and/or dexterous robots could be used in tasks like module building, refueling, and even fine motor repair skills. Controls could occur in proximity on the moon or beamed in from Earth via Honda satellites.