China recovers reusable rocket stage at sea for first time

China has achieved a major milestone in reusable rocket technology, successfully recovering the first stage of its new Long March 10B rocket at sea for the first time. The state-run Xinhua news agency hailed the event as a "significant breakthrough."

A video released by Xinhua shows the rocket stage descending vertically onto a platform, guided by its engines, and being caught by a tall, rectangular frame. The recovery vessel, named 'Linghangzhe' (Pathfinder), tracked the stage and adjusted its position to deploy special metal hooks that engaged with ropes on the catching device.

The rocket was launched from the Hainan space center and successfully placed a satellite into its intended orbit. According to the state-run "China Daily," this success makes China the second nation, following the United States, to possess dependable reusable rocket technology. The report also highlighted that this was the first time globally that a first-stage rocket was recovered using such a rope-catching mechanism.

While China advances its capabilities, the US space company SpaceX is considerably further ahead in the development of reusable rockets. China has been pursuing this technology for years, with both state-run programs and private companies working to reduce the cost of launching satellites and other payloads into space.

“

significant breakthrough