China Successfully Recovers Rocket First Stage for First Time
China on Friday successfully landed the first stage of its Long March-10B rocket after launch, marking the first recovery of a rocket stage for the country. SpaceX has been using similar technology for years.
China successfully landed the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket after launch on Friday, according to state media. This is the first time China has recovered a rocket stage, a major milestone in its space program. The first stage separated from the second stage after liftoff and returned to a platform at sea.
The rocket launched from Hainan Island. It can carry up to 16,000 kilograms of payload into space. In comparison, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has a maximum payload of 22,800 kilograms and is also used to transport astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station.
SpaceX has been practicing reusable rocket stages for years to reduce launch costs. China's achievement brings it closer to similar cost-saving capabilities.
