China takes a page from SpaceX and recaptures first stage of rocket to reuse it
5 hours ago
- #Rocket Reusability
- #China Space Program
- #Space Exploration
- China successfully recaptured the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket for the first time, landing it on a sea platform, marking a breakthrough in its space program.
- SpaceX and Blue Origin have been reusing rocket boosters since 2015 to reduce costs, with SpaceX achieving over 600 landings and setting a record with a 36th reuse of a booster.
- SpaceX is developing mechanical arms to catch returning Starships, while Blue Origin lands boosters in Texas and on floating platforms off Florida.
- Japan plans a launch and landing attempt this weekend, joining the trend of rocket recycling initiated by private U.S. companies and now China.
- The reusable Long March-10B can launch up to 16,000 kg to low Earth orbit, compared to SpaceX's Falcon 9 capacity of 22,800 kg, used for ISS missions.