China completes first sea-based recovery of a reusable orbital booster

China successfully recovered the first stage of its Long March 10B during its maiden flight, catching the booster mid-ocean on a sea-based net after liftoff from Wenchang. The test carried a payload known as CX-26 and, if repeated, signals a new approach to reusable rocket technology that could boost launch cadence, with CASC stating the first-stage reuse test is expected by year-end.