Japan's space agency JAXA has successfully tested its reusable RV-X rocket. The vehicle lifted off, reached about 11 meters in altitude, traveled horizontally and landed safely. It's an important step for reusable rocket technology.

NASA astronauts @AstroIronMike, @zenanaut and @JAXA_en astronaut @Astro_Kimiya spent this week in the DC area sharing their experiences of living aboard @Space_Station as part of Expedition 73/74. 📷:

On August 7, 1985, the National Space Development Agency of Japan (now JAXA) announced that Mamoru Mohri, Chiaki Mukai (then Chiaki Naito), and Takao Doi would be Japan’s first-ever astronauts to fly aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle. Selected from a competitive pool of 533 applicants, these three pioneers would go on to lay the foundation for Japan’s future manned space activities. The landmark announcement marked a monumental first step for Japan as it stepped boldly into the era of space exploration.

🚀 @POTUS @realDonaldTrump has called space "the ultimate high ground" — and the U.S. and Japan are leading the charge in its transformation. Deputy Chief of Mission Aaron Snipe joined #SPACETIDE2026# to champion the 🇺🇸🇯🇵 partnership that is shaping the future of commercial space and to thank @masayasu_ishida and the @SpaceTide_Conf team for hosting four days of industry networking and ideas. @NASA @JAXA_jp

Do you see that tiny glowing streak? That's the SpaceX Crew Dragon heading back to Earth in the early hours of May 2, 2021—5 years ago this week. Astronauts on the International @Space_Station saw the Crew Dragon blazing through Earth's atmosphere, as NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, and JAXA astronaut Soichi Noguchi returned home. Crew-1 safely splashed down off the coast of Florida, completing their 167-day mission on the space station, and the first operational mission of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.