Japan aborts maiden flight test of reusable rocket experimental vehicle again due to malfunction

TOKYO, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's space agency aborted the scheduled maiden flight test of its small reusable rocket experimental vehicle RV-X again on Monday due to a malfunction, local media reported.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) began pre-launch preparations for the RV-X early Monday at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in Akita Prefecture. However, engineers discovered that a device designed to separate the fuel supply pipeline from the rocket body failed to operate normally. JAXA then decided to cancel the day's flight test, according to Kyodo News and the Sankei Shimbun.

The aborted attempt marks the fifth delay of RV-X's maiden flight test. The launch was initially scheduled for March 7 but was postponed three times due to weather and rescheduled for March 25. On that day, the test was also halted before liftoff because a device connecting the rocket body to external equipment had "issues requiring confirmation."

The RV-X is about 7.3 meters long and 1.8 meters in diameter, and is powered by an engine using liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.

The test program aims to collect data for the development of reusable rockets. Japan plans to introduce reusable technology in its next-generation main carrier rockets in order to enable lower-cost and more frequent satellite launches.