China Achieves First Recoverable Rocket Stage with Net
- tech360.tv
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
China has achieved its first recoverable rocket stage, marking a shift towards reusable assets in its national space programme. The CZ-10B was recently captured by a net recovery system aboard the Navigator vessel. This development is projected to reduce launch costs significantly, by an estimated 60 to 70 percent. The success initiates a new era for China's space economy, transitioning from disposable launches to reusable technology for both commercial and government operations.
The CZ-10B recovery represents a distinct methodology compared to those employed by other space organisations. The net capture system operates by allowing the rocket stage, following separation, to glide and then synchronise its trajectory with a moving vessel. It then absorbs the stage using a steel rope net. This contrasts with the tower catch method, notably used by SpaceX, which involves the rocket returning to a fixed ground structure.
The net capture approach provides several operational advantages. It relaxes terminal error margins, permitting deviations of up to 10 metres, thereby reducing the control accuracy typically required and the associated landing fuel reserves. The system also eliminates the need for the rocket to carry landing legs, which decreases its dry mass and consequently increases its payload capacity. But the tower catch method generally allows for shorter turnaround cycles, as the rocket remains suspended for immediate inspection and refurbishment. Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, has stated his organisation's Starship aims to achieve one launch per hour within three years using its tower catch approach.
China's pursuit of reusable rocket technology extends beyond the government backed CZ-10B. Commercial space companies are also advancing their first stage recovery capabilities. CAS Space's Lijian-1 has completed 15 missions, deploying 110 satellites, and is now developing reusable variants. Deep Blue Aerospace's Nebula-1 successfully performed a kilometre scale vertical takeoff and landing jump test, utilising the same liquid oxygen kerosene engines that power its orbital vehicle.
LandSpace and iSpace are actively developing reusable methane liquid oxygen rockets, with first flight targets set for the coming years. Galaxy Energy and Orienspace are also targeting later this year for the inaugural launch of their Gravity-2 reusable liquid rocket. This competitive environment, involving both governmental and private entities, is notably accelerating the overall pace of reusable rocket development across the Chinese space industry. And this widespread development effort is viewed as critical for future space activities.
The advent of reusable rockets is expected to facilitate several new capabilities in space. These include the deployment of extensive satellite constellations, the establishment of space based computing infrastructure, in space manufacturing, and the expansion of space tourism. GGV Capital draws a parallel between this transition and the historical shift from caravels to galleons during the Age of Discovery. This suggests space transport could become a more predictable commercial endeavour.
The space economy is expected to reach multiple trillions of Yuan, according to GGV Capital. This organisation projects a substantial increase in launch volume, estimating a 10 to 20 fold growth over the next decade. As connectivity and sensing capabilities become more commercially viable, China is establishing a transportation ecosystem where rockets function as reusable assets, characterised by more predictable operating costs. So this period is seen as a significant inflection point for the industry.
China's CZ-10B rocket recently completed its first successful net recovery, marking a move to reusable space technology.
This net capture system is projected to reduce launch costs by 60 to 70 percent.
The approach differs from SpaceX's tower catch, offering advantages in error tolerance and dry mass reduction.
Commercial space entities in China are also developing their own reusable rocket programmes, accelerating overall progress.
The shift to reusable rockets is expected to increase launch volumes and expand the space economy into new sectors.
Source: Pandaily
