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China recaptures the first stage of a space rocket
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- China successfully recovered the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket after its launch, marking a significant milestone for the country's space program.
- The rocket's first stage separated and returned to a sea platform, a technique previously pioneered by SpaceX to reduce launch costs through booster reuse.
- Launched from Hainan Island, the Long March-10B can carry payloads up to 16,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit.
- In comparison, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket can carry up to 22,800 kilograms and is used for missions including transporting astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station.
