China’s landmark recovery of a reusable rocket has ignited heated debate on social media, with reactions ranging from awe at the rapid pace of Chinese space development to speculation over a more intense space race with the United States.
This comes at a time of renewed optimism around the satellite sector, as commercial demand for internet constellations skyrockets.
China made history on Friday by becoming only the second nation to achieve the controlled recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster, after successfully retrieving part of its Long March-10B reusable rocket during its debut flight.
Instead of adopting methods pioneered by Elon Musk’s US-based SpaceX, the Chinese mission used a first-of-its-kind, sea-based net-and-cable system to allow for a more adaptable recovery.
Reusing rocket boosters can significantly lower the cost of space missions, making massive satellite constellation deployments, deep-space exploration and crewed moon landings financially viable.
The news quickly gained traction online, after state news agency Xinhua released footage showing the falling booster being snatched mid-air by a moving net at sea.