China recovers first reusable orbital-class rocket booster

China's state-owned rocket developer, responsible for the Long March rocket family, announced Friday it had recovered its first reusable orbital-class booster in the South China Sea. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the nation's space capabilities.

The mission involved the liftoff of a Long March 10B rocket from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site on Hainan Island. The approximately 209-foot-tall rocket, powered by seven kerosene engines, launched early Friday morning local time.

Approximately ten minutes after liftoff, the rocket booster descended from space and was guided towards a specialized recovery vessel. A system of tensioned cables aboard the ship captured the booster after its landing engines shut down, leaving it suspended in mid-air. The rocket's upper stage continued into orbit carrying a payload designated CX-26.

Chinese officials have declared the flight a "complete success," viewing it as a demonstration of their growing expertise in space technology. The development of reusable rockets is seen as crucial for reducing the cost of space exploration and operations.