China has successfully tested a sea-based rocket booster recovery system, a breakthrough for the country’s space programme that could help Beijing challenge US dominance in reusable rocket technology led by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

“MADE IN CHINA” HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE 1980sChina has successfully recovered an orbital-class rocket booster for the first time, taking a major step toward reusable rockets and lower-cost space launches.The recovered Long March 10B booster returned to a platform at sea using hooks and a capture net—China’s answer to the reusable-rocket model pioneered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.Credit where credit is due.