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China recovered its first reusable rocket and showed a new way to do it
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China achieved a major milestone in its space program on Friday by successfully recovering its first reusable orbital-class rocket booster, using a novel net-based capture system at sea. The event marks China's first controlled recovery of a rocket stage, positioning the nation among a small group of countries capable of reusing launch vehicles. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and its subsidiary, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), carried out the mission from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site on Hainan Island.
The Long March 10B rocket, standing approximately 209 feet (63.6 meters) tall and powered by seven kerosene-fueled engines, lifted off at 12:15 a.m. EDT (04:15 UTC) on Friday. About 10 minutes after launch, the first stage separated and descended back to Earth, guiding itself into a four-legged frame equipped with tensioned cables stretched over an offshore vessel. The booster shut down its landing engines and was caught midair, dangling from the net, while the upper stage continued into orbit and deployed a classified payload designated CX-26. Chinese officials declared the flight a complete success.
This recovery makes CASC the third organization in the world to recover an orbital-class rocket booster, following SpaceX's Falcon 9 in 2015 and Blue Origin's New Glenn in November 2024. SpaceX also achieved a similar feat with its Starship/Super Heavy in 2024 using a different method—catching the booster with mechanical arms on the launch tower. Unlike the propulsive landings used by SpaceX and Blue Origin on offshore platforms or pads, China's approach employed a ship-based net system, demonstrating an alternative path to reusability.
The implications of this achievement are significant for China's space ambitions. Reusable rockets can drastically reduce launch costs and increase flight frequency, enabling more ambitious projects such as space stations, lunar missions, and satellite constellations. The success also showcases China's growing expertise in advanced aerospace technologies and its potential to compete with established players in the commercial launch market.
Reactions from Chinese officials were swift and celebratory. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, wrote on social media platform X: 'A historic day in China’s space program! China’s Long March 10B has successfully completed its maiden flight—and recovered its first stage via a sea-based net. This marks the country’s first-ever controlled rocket recovery. A major leap toward reusable launch capabilities.' The achievement underscores China's accelerated pace in space technology development.
Looking ahead, China plans to continue developing reusable rocket technology, with the Long March 10 series expected to play a central role. The success of the net capture method could lead to more frequent recoveries and further cost reductions and sustainability in space operations. As China expands its presence in space, this milestone sets the stage for more routine reuse of rocket hardware, potentially reshaping the global launch industry.
