● Covered by 3 sources · 4 reportsMedium impact
China Joins SpaceX in Rocket Reuse with Long March 10B Recovery
Key points
- China recovered Long March 10B rocket booster at sea.
- China is the second country to achieve this feat.
- The booster was captured using a net system.
- CALT developed the Long March 10B rocket.
- China plans to reuse the booster by year's end.
China Achieves Rocket Recovery Milestone
China successfully recovered its Long March 10B rocket booster from a net at sea, marking a significant achievement in its space program. This makes China the second country, after the United States, to capture a reusable rocket booster.
The recovery took place following the rocket's maiden flight, demonstrating China's growing expertise in reusable rocket technology.
Innovative Recovery System
Unlike SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rocket, which employs retractable landing legs, China used a novel net and frame system to recover the booster aboard a sea vessel. The Long March 10B booster was caught by tensioned cables on a recovery ship.
This system required advanced guidance software and durable engines to ensure a successful controlled descent and capture.
Strategic Implications
This technological advancement positions China to enhance its satellite services and compete more effectively in global markets, particularly in satellite communications.
The capability to reuse rocket boosters can potentially lower the cost of launching spacecraft, similar to SpaceX's business model.
Future Prospects
The state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) is optimistic about reusing the booster by the end of this year, further demonstrating China's commitment to advancing its space capabilities.
The success of this mission lays a foundation for China to expand its space ambitions, including its targeted goals for 2030.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Roscosmos has shifted focus to developing a demonstrator for its Amur-LNG reusable rocket. Originally set to debut in 2026, the timeline has been pushed back, causing concern about Russia's competitive position in spaceflight.
China achieved its first controlled recovery of a reusable rocket booster from the Long March 10B. This milestone showcases new methods of rocket recovery, featuring a sea-based net landing system, positioning China among the few nations capable of such technology.
China's state-owned space agency successfully launched and landed a Long March rocket booster on a recovery vessel, marking its second country achievement in reusable rocket technology. This advancement positions China to enhance its satellite services and compete more directly with SpaceX in global markets, notably for satellite communications.
China has successfully recovered its Long March 10B rocket booster using a net anchored at sea, marking a significant advancement in its space program. This achievement positions China as the second nation to successfully capture a reusable rocket, enhancing the country's aspirations for increased space capabilities by 2030.