China lands reusable rocket for first time in bid to rival SpaceX
Chinese state media say the country has successfully landed a reusable rocket for the first time, following similar landings previously achieved by US-owned companies SpaceX and Blue Origin. The milestone strengthens China's ambitions in the global space race.
Chinese state media announced that a domestically developed rocket had been successfully landed after launch, marking the first time the country has reached this milestone in reusable rocket technology. The achievement is being presented as a major turning point for China's space programme.
Reusable rockets significantly cut launch costs, making access to space cheaper. US-based SpaceX and Blue Origin developed the technology years earlier, gaining a competitive edge in the commercial space sector.
China's progress in this area is seen as part of its broader ambition to rival SpaceX in the space industry. Analysts say reusable launch capability could accelerate China's plans for commercial satellite deployment and crewed space missions.
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