China Recovers Rocket Booster
China becomes the second country to recover a rocket booster, catching a Long March 10B rocket in a net, marking a breakthrough in reusable rocket technology
Key points
- China's state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) developed the Long March 10B rocket
- The rocket was caught in a net anchored at sea, a novel system different from SpaceX's landing legs
- The recovery is a key part of China's plan to become a space power by 2030
- The ability to reuse booster rockets can significantly reduce the cost of reaching orbit
- Only SpaceX and Blue Origin had previously landed a rocket booster
- CALT expects to reuse the rocket in another flight by the end of this year
China has achieved a major milestone in its space program by recovering a rocket booster, becoming the second country to do so. The Long March 10B rocket, developed by the state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), was caught in a net anchored at sea. This novel system is different from SpaceX's landing legs and marks a breakthrough in reusable rocket technology. The recovery is a key part of China's plan to become a space power by 2030. By reusing booster rockets, China can significantly reduce the cost of reaching orbit, making it more competitive in the space industry. CALT expects to reuse the rocket in another flight by the end of this year.
Sources
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