China Succeeds in Reusable Rocket Test, Recovering First Stage with Sea-Based Net

China has successfully intercepted a falling rocket using a net deployed over the sea. The first-stage booster of the Long March 10B rocket, launched by a state-owned enterprise, was recovered after being caught in the net just six minutes after liftoff.

The booster was snared by a net suspended from a 67-meter-tall large steel tower installed on the barge 'Lingang Jie.'

Hao Jinjie, a researcher at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), cited the rocket's increased payload capacity as the reason for adopting the net-capture method. Chen Wuyue, also a researcher at CASC, stated that reusing the first stage would reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency.