China lands reusable rocket for first time, state media says
5 hours ago
- #China Space Program
- #Reusable Rockets
- #Space Technology
- China successfully landed a reusable rocket for the first time, marking a major breakthrough in its space program.
- The Long March 10B rocket launched from Hainan, with its booster returning vertically to a floating platform about six minutes after separation.
- Reusable rockets can significantly lower costs for satellite launches and space exploration by recovering the valuable booster segments.
- China's achievement positions it to challenge U.S. dominance in reusable rocket technology, following successes by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
- The Long March 10B uses 'landing hooks' to catch a net on a floating platform, differing from autonomous landings by competitors like Falcon 9.
- Shares in Chinese space firms surged, with some hitting the 10% daily limit after the announcement.