China recovers rocket stage on land for first time, after earlier recovery at sea
China has successfully recovered a reusable rocket stage on land for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its space program. This achievement follows a previous sea-based recovery and aims to reduce launch costs, mirroring the progress made by companies like SpaceX.
Why it matters
Advancements in reusable rocket technology are essential for lowering the cost of space exploration and satellite deployment, intensifying the global space race.
BEIJING — China has successfully recaptured the first stage of a rocket on land for the first time, state media reported Wednesday, as the country seeks to advance its space program. Although this marks China’s first successful recovery on land, it is the second time the country has recovered a rocket stage, following a successful recovery on a sea platform in July. Xinhua, China’s state-run news agency, said the reusable rocket, Zhuque-3, was launched Wednesday morning and that the rocket’s first stage was recovered afterward.
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