[brianbreslin]

Is this a precursor to a viable alternative to any of SpaceX products?

[stego-tech]

Not at this stage. Looks like they used a smaller rocket to test the core concepts involved, rather than build a huge, production-ready platform like SpaceX. Good to see Japanese industry still improving their self-reliance.

[wingspar]

Seems like this test is equivalent to the SpaceX Starhopper which went 150m... https://spacenews.com/spacexs-starhopper-completes-test-flig...

[oldpersonintx2]

there are already alternatives to SpaceX products

reaching an altitude of 300 meters

...but this isn't one of them, yet