tech
China just carried out its second reusable launch attempt in three weeks
The launch laid “an important foundation for subsequent launches and reliable recovery.”
TL;DR
- The Long March 12A rocket successfully reached orbit on its first flight.
- The rocket's first stage booster failed to land successfully.
- This incident is similar to the debut flight of the Zhuque-3 rocket, which also experienced a booster landing failure.
- Both rockets use propulsive landing architecture similar to SpaceX.
- China is developing multiple reusable rockets to increase launch cadence and lower costs.
- Future reusable rockets from Chinese companies and state-owned enterprises are planned, including super-heavy variants.