China successfully tests sea-based rocket booster recovery system

China on Friday successfully tested an experimental ‌rocket retrieval system using a net attached to a sea platform, state media reported, in the hope of breaking U.S. dominance in reusable rockets.

The Long March 10B rocket lifted off from the Hainan commercial space launch site in southern China at 12:15 p.m. (0415 GMT) and, about six minutes ​after separation of its booster and upper stage, the booster returned vertically and was recovered on an offshore ​platform, state broadcaster CCTV reported.