China has reached a significant milestone in the development of reusable rocket technology, marking a major step forward in its aerospace capabilities.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, China has successfully recovered a rocket booster using a specialized net system installed on a sea platform.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that the test was conducted with a Long March 10B rocket, which launched from the Hainan space launch site. During the operation, the booster separated from the upper stage of the rocket and performed a vertical descent into the net system on the sea platform approximately six minutes later. This event is considered China's first successful test of recovering orbital-level rocket components.
Following the test, shares of Chinese aerospace companies, including China Spacesat and China Satellite Communications, saw an increase in value. While the Long March 10B is often compared to the Falcon 9 rocket developed by the US-based SpaceX—the current leader in reusable rocket technology—the Chinese system utilizes a distinct mechanism. Unlike the Falcon 9, which lands on specialized landing legs, the Chinese system employs "landing hooks" on the booster and a net apparatus on the sea platform.
Reusable rocket technology has become a primary focus of competition in the global space industry, as it significantly reduces launch costs and enables a higher frequency of space missions. SpaceX has been at the forefront of this field since 2015, conducting regular launches with its Falcon 9 fleet. Chinese officials have stated that this new technology is of strategic importance for the country's planned crewed lunar missions, which are targeted for 2030.
