China tests net-based rocket recovery in bid to catch up on reusables

China successfully tested a new way to recover rocket boosters on Friday, using a net system on an offshore platform.

A Long March 10B rocket launched from the Hainan commercial space launch site. Roughly six minutes after stage separation, the booster flew back and landed vertically on a sea platform where it was caught by a net, according to CCTV.

The test is part of China’s push to develop reusable launch vehicles and reduce reliance on expendable rockets. Currently, the U.S. leads in this area with SpaceX’s Falcon 9, which lands boosters on drone ships and land pads.

The Long March 10B is intended to support China’s human lunar program and future space station missions. A reusable version would cut costs and allow more frequent flights.

State media called the trial a success but gave no details on the condition of the recovered booster or future deployment plans.

The test signals China is experimenting with alternative recovery methods beyond the powered landings used by SpaceX.