China achieves first controlled booster recovery at sea with Long March 10B

China has carried out its first successful controlled recovery of a rocket booster at sea, state media reported Saturday.

The Long March 10B launched on July 10 from the Hainan commercial spaceport. Roughly six minutes after liftoff and stage separation, the booster descended and was caught vertically on an offshore platform using a net-based retrieval system, CCTV reported.

It is the first time China has demonstrated a controlled booster recovery, a technology central to reusable rockets.The test is part of China’s effort to close the gap with the U.S. in low-cost, reusable launch systems. Reusability has allowed U.S. companies to dramatically cut the price per launch and increase flight cadence.

The recovery took place off China’s southern coast and used a sea platform rather than a land landing pad. Chinese officials say sea-based recovery offers flexibility for future commercial missions.

The launch was conducted from Hainan, which China is developing as its main site for commercial space launches. The successful test is expected to accelerate China’s reusable rocket program ahead of planned lunar and space station missions.