China's LandSpace recovers rocket booster after orbital launch, beating SpaceX to milestone

China's leading commercial rocket firm, LandSpace, has achieved a global first by recovering a stainless-steel booster after an orbital launch. This success with the Zhuque-3 rocket marks a significant advancement in the nation's pursuit of more affordable, reusable spaceflight technology.

The 66-meter rocket, fueled by liquid methane and oxygen, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert. It successfully deployed a Honghu-3 internet satellite into its intended orbit. Following its mission, the rocket's first stage executed a vertical landing at a recovery site in Minqin county, Gansu province.

This mission represents LandSpace's second attempt at an orbital launch with booster recovery. Their initial effort in December saw the second stage reach orbit, but the first stage was destroyed in a fireball during its descent. The company's achievement places it ahead of SpaceX, whose own stainless-steel Super Heavy booster is still awaiting Federal Aviation Administration approval for its inaugural recovery flight.