Key facts
- China successfully recovered the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket after an orbital launch test.
- The recovery utilized a novel technique involving engines positioning the stage over a floating platform.
- This achievement makes China the second country, following the United States, to possess reusable orbital rocket capability.
- The successful test is expected to significantly lower China's space launch costs.
- The Long March-10B rocket also successfully deployed a satellite into orbit.
China has successfully recovered the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket during an orbital launch test, a significant breakthrough that positions the country to compete with the United States in reusable rocket technology. The launch and recovery occurred on Friday, with the booster stage being captured at sea by a floating platform.
This achievement marks China as the second nation, after the US, to develop controlled recovery of reusable orbital rocket stages. The technique employed differs from SpaceX's method of using hydraulic legs, instead utilizing the rocket's engines to position itself over the recovery vessel. State media reported the success as a historic breakthrough that will accelerate China's space access capabilities and help it establish itself as a strong aerospace nation.
The reusable rocket technology is considered crucial for reducing the cost and turnaround time of space launches, offering strategic advantages in space exploration, satellite infrastructure development, and potentially military applications. While China's national security rules may limit direct competition with US and European launch providers, reusable rockets could enable its satellite communications networks and data centers to compete with offerings like SpaceX's Starlink, particularly in global markets.
This development follows several recent failed tests by various Chinese companies in the crowded space sector, highlighting the race to achieve reusable launch milestones. Elon Musk's SpaceX has been a leader in this field for nearly a decade, underpinning its Starlink network and work for NASA and the U.S. Space Force. Other US companies like Blue Origin and Rocket Lab are also developing reusable rocket technology.