China recovers Long March-10B booster with sea net platform

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China performed a controlled sea recovery of the first-stage booster from the maiden Long March-10B flight using the Linghangzhe platform, making it the second country after the United States to recover an orbital-class booster. The Linghangzhe is a converted unpowered barge fitted with a suspended net and was developed by Guangzhou Shipyard International with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, according to eWorldship. The rocket uses four hooks to latch the net, an approach different from leg landings used by SpaceX and Blue Origin, and the achievement signals progress in China’s reusable launch capabilities and shipbuilding expertise.

China demonstrated a sea-based net recovery for an orbital rocket booster