China recovers orbital-class rocket booster using sea-platform net

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China successfully tested an experimental rocket retrieval system when a Long March 10B booster returned vertically and was caught by a net attached to an offshore platform about six minutes after separation following liftoff from the Hainan commercial launch site. The test, reported by state media, is the country's first successful retrieval of an orbital-class rocket and was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology for a vehicle capable of carrying at least 16 tonnes to low-Earth orbit. Using landing hooks to catch a sea-platform net, the trial brings China closer to reusable rockets and could lower launch costs for commercial satellite constellations while challenging U.S. dominance.

China achieved first retrieval of an orbital-class rocket booster at sea