Honda launches a rocket

A research and development subsidiary of Honda began working on space technologies since 2021 and has been conducting engine combustion and hovering tests for the past year, according to a statement from the company. The recent test was the first time the company conducted a launch and landing procedure. The rocket, just over 20 feet tall, took off, reached an altitude of 890 feet, and landed on target.

While Honda says the company does not at this time have any firm plans for commercialization of the technology, it notes that the need for reusable rockets is expected to increase. The current goal is to continue research and development "with a technology development goal of realizing technological capability to enable a suborbital launch by 2029."

What does all this have to do with motorcycles? Honestly, not much. In part, it's a reminder that most of the companies we buy motorcycles from in our part of the world are part of larger corporations that produce all sorts of things, from cars to side-by-sides to ocean-going vessels, meaning they're not merely — or even mostly — motorcycle companies. In Honda's case, this is just part of the long journey from a small engine attached to a bicycle to a global conglomerate building motorcycles (more than anyone else in the world), cars, generators, and even a business jet.

Maybe all that broad expertise doesn't make your Honda motorcycle any better, but then maybe it could. You might say designing a decent motorcycle isn't rocket science. But if some rocket science is needed, the bike designers at Honda have colleagues they could call for tips.