China successfully tests sea-based rocket booster recovery system, says state media
China successfully tested an experimental sea-based rocket booster recovery system using a net on an offshore platform, marking its first controlled recovery of a carrier rocket's booster. The Long March 10B rocket lifted off from Hainan, and its booster returned vertically for recovery, aiming to challenge U.S. dominance in reusable rocket technology.
Why it matters
This development signifies a major step forward for China's space program, potentially reducing launch costs and enhancing its competitiveness in the global space industry, with implications for geopolitical space rivalry.
China on Friday (July 10, 2026) successfully tested an experimental rocket retrieval system using a net attached to a sea platform, state media reported, in the hopes of breaking U.S. dominance in reusable rockets.
The Long March 10B rocket lifted off from the Hainan commercial space launch site in southern China and, about six minutes after separation of its booster and upper stage, the booster returned vertically and was recovered on an offshore platform, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
It marked China’s first successful controlled recovery of a carrier rocket’s booster, CCTV said.
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