China successfully tested a rocket that can be reused

China successfully conducted its first recovery test of an orbital-class rocket stage, using a maritime platform, a significant step in the development of reusable technologies for space launches.

The test took place with the Long March 10B rocket, launched from the space center on Hainan Island, and the booster was successfully captured by a net-based system installed on the maritime platform, approximately six minutes after separation from the upper stage. This achievement is considered essential for reducing the costs of access to space and for increasing the competitiveness of the Chinese space industry.

China has been investing for over a decade in rocket reuse technologies, primarily aimed at reducing launch costs and expanding the global market presence of commercial space services. Chinese authorities plan to reuse the recovered stage in a new mission before the end of the year.

Compared to SpaceX, the Chinese system uses a capture method, different from the autonomous vertical landing of the Falcon 9. This innovation could provide China with its own alternative in the global competition within the space sector.