China recovered its first reusable rocket and showed a new way to do it

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BEIJING: The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) has successfully recovered its first reusable rocket, utilizing a novel sea-based net retrieval system to secure the stage.

This milestone establishes CALT as the third enterprise to master reusable launch technology, signaling a significant development in global space exploration capabilities.

The accomplishment follows previous industry breakthroughs, including SpaceX’s Falcon 9 landings starting in 2015 and its Starship/Super Heavy booster in 2024. Additionally, Blue Origin achieved its first offshore platform landing with its New Glenn booster last November.

By recovering its first stage via a sea-based net, China has demonstrated a unique technical approach to reusability, further expanding the methodologies available for cost-effective orbital launches.