TOKYO – The (JAXA) aborted the scheduled first flight test of its small reusable rocket experimental vehicle RV-X on Wednesday due to an unexpected issue that arose before launch, local media reported.
According to Kyodo News, the RV-X had completed fueling early Wednesday at the Noshiro Rocket Testing Center in Akita Prefecture. However, JAXA later discovered that a device connecting the rocket body to external equipment had “issues requiring confirmation,” and therefore decided to cancel the day’s flight test.
The RV-X is about 7.3 meters long with a diameter of around 1.8 meters. Its first flight test had originally been scheduled for March 7 but was postponed several times due to weather conditions. A new test date has not yet been determined.