China recovered its first reusable rocket and showed a new way to do it
Summary
China successfully recovered a reusable Long March 10B rocket booster for the first time by catching it on a ship in the South China Sea after launch. This method helps reduce weight and fuel use for future rocket launches and marks a step forward in China's reusable rocket technology.Key Facts
- The Long March 10B rocket launched from Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island.
- The booster returned and was caught by a net on an offshore vessel about 10 minutes after liftoff.
- The rocket uses seven kerosene engines on the first stage and a methane engine on the second stage.
- The Long March 10B can carry around 16 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, slightly less than SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
- China’s method combines catching the rocket on a ship with a net, a technique different from SpaceX and Blue Origin’s landing methods.
- This is China’s first controlled rocket recovery and makes them the third company after SpaceX and Blue Origin to do so.
- The test flight demonstrated multiple engine restarts, precise navigation, and the sea-based net recovery system.
- China plans to continue improving the rocket’s performance and reusable technology soon.
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