China launched its latest Long March 10B rocket from a maritime platform and successfully returned it to the platform. This has effectively replicated the SpaceX breakthrough of bringing back a launch vehicle, but has been done at sea—a considerably more difficult and technologically more advanced accomplishment. This capability will lower the cost of space launches through multiple uses of the same vehicle.
The Falcon-9 can launch and return both on land and on sea. China’s experiment was done from a maritime launch platform. The mechanism, however, is different. Both SpaceX and Blue Origin use a technology in which the launch vehicle lands on deployable legs. China uses four hooks to catch a net suspended to the sea platform. China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology expert Chen Muye said the approach simplifies the rocket’s onboard structure, reduces its weight, and could increase payload capacity.
