China successfully lands a reusable rocket booster for the first time.

      SpaceX lands its rockets using legs, while Blue Origin employs a platform, and China has now captured one with a massive net. For the first time, China has successfully recovered the first stage of an orbital rocket, joining an exclusive group consisting of just two other entities. On Friday, a Long March-10B booster lifted off from Hainan Island, detached, and returned to a barge at sea, as reported by the Associated Press citing state media.

      The landing was unique; approximately six minutes after takeoff, the first stage landed on the platform and was caught by a large net. Local media referred to this as the world’s first “net-based recovery” of a rocket, according to Business Insider. With this achievement, China’s state-owned Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation joins an elite group, previously only occupied by SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, which had both landed rocket boosters before. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, described it as a “major leap toward reusable launch capabilities.”

      Why catching a booster is significant

      The key advantage here is cost. The first stage of a rocket is its most expensive component, and allowing it to disintegrate during re-entry means needing to build a new one for each flight. If it can be landed, refurbished, and reused, the expenses of reaching orbit can decrease significantly. This fundamental principle is what has propelled SpaceX to become the leading launch company globally.

      SpaceX achieved its first booster landing in 2015 and has since completed this feat hundreds of times. In 2024, it took things a step further by capturing a 120-meter Starship booster using the chopstick-like arms of its launch tower. Blue Origin recorded its first landing only last November, but its New Glenn rocket subsequently exploded on the launch pad in May.

      Still trailing behind

      Although China’s success is notable, there is still a significant gap. The reusable Long March-10B can transport around 16 tons to low Earth orbit, while a Falcon 9 can handle approximately 25 tons, and SpaceX's Starship is designed for over 100 tons. Furthermore, SpaceX launches more payload into orbit than all other countries and companies combined.

      The competition in the satellite sector reflects a similar trend. China is developing its own version of Starlink through a state-supported initiative, SpaceSail, which has launched around 200 satellites since 2024. In contrast, Starlink already boasts over 10,000 satellites. It is among several potential Starlink competitors, including Russia’s delayed satellite constellation and Amazon's efforts, all vying for a share of a lucrative market that continues to generate revenue for SpaceX.

      Why this matters

      Even Elon Musk has taken note. In an October social media post, he remarked that Chinese engineers have incorporated “aspects of Starship, such as the use of stainless steel and methalox, into a Falcon 9 design,” giving them the potential to “outdo Falcon 9.” However, he added his usual caveat: “Starship is in another league.” The recent capture does not close that gap.

      Nevertheless, it demonstrates that China is now capable of executing the most challenging aspect of affordable spaceflight. A nation that can reuse its rockets is one that can conduct launches more frequently and in greater numbers. This new net approach alters the equation significantly.