China successfully recovered the first stage of a carrier rocket during an orbital launch test on Friday, a breakthrough that moves Beijing closer to American reusable rocket capabilities long dominated by SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX).
Long March 10B Reaches Orbit
The Long March 10B rocket lifted off from Hainan island in southern China and deployed a satellite into orbit, according to state media. About six minutes after the first stage separated from the upper stage, the booster returned to a floating sea platform, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Video posted by a CCTV-affiliated social media account showed the booster smoking near the top as it descended vertically toward the platform. Reuters reported that the recovery used a sea-based system with hooks and a net, rather than the landing legs used by SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Reusable Rockets Reshape Launch Competition
The test puts China closer to matching U.S. reusable launch technology, which is seen as critical to reducing costs, speeding launch turnaround and building large satellite networks. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said the mission "signifies a historic breakthrough in China’s reusable rocket technology and a solid foundation for accelerating the improvement of China’s space access capabilities," according to state media.
The successful landing follows failed tests by other Chinese rockets in recent months as state-backed and commercial companies race to develop reusable systems. Beijing has said it wants to become a "strong aerospace nation," and reusable rockets could give China strategic advantages as space becomes more closely tied to defense, communications and surveillance.
Reusable boosters form the backbone of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which began routinely landing Falcon 9 first stages nearly a decade ago and now dominates the global launch market. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, completed its first successful New Glenn first-stage landing last November, adding another U.S. player to the reusable rocket race.
Lunar Race Adds Strategic Stakes
The Long March 10 series also supports China’s plans for crewed lunar missions. The development comes as the United States and China compete to establish a lasting presence near the lunar south pole, where water ice could support long-term bases and future Mars missions.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said recently that the United States is "very much in a space race" with China. Speaking on CBS, he said China "will land their taikonauts on the moon" and warned the difference between U.S. and Chinese timelines could be "months, not years."
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