China has successfully tested an experimental rocket retrieval system, marking its first controlled recovery of an orbital-class rocket, state media reported. The Long March 10B rocket lifted off from the Hainan commercial space launch site in southern China on Friday. Approximately six minutes after the booster separated from the upper stage, it returned vertically and was recovered on an offshore platform using a net attached to a sea platform, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the Long March 10B is capable of carrying at least 16 metric tons to low-Earth orbit and has been compared to SpaceX's Falcon 9. However, unlike the Falcon 9, which lands autonomously on deployable legs on a ground pad or drone ship, the Long March 10B uses "landing hooks" to catch the net on the sea platform.

This test brings China closer to developing reusable rockets and is part of the Long March 10 family intended for crewed lunar missions before 2030. The Long March 10B could also provide data and validate technologies relevant to China's broader lunar program.

Shares in Chinese aerospace firms surged following the news, with China Spacesat and China Satellite Communications hitting their daily limits. CCTV also reported that China plans to reuse the Long March 10's booster stage for another launch by the end of this year.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation noted the Long March 10B's launch occurred at 12:15 local time (04:15 GMT) on Friday. This achievement signals China's potential to challenge US dominance in reusable rocket technology, following similar successes by US companies SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Sources