World · 19 August 2026
China recovers rocket stage on land for first time, after earlier recovery at sea
China's space programme achieved a significant milestone by successfully recovering a rocket's first stage on land. The reusable Zhuque-3 rocket launched on Wednesday morning, with its first stage recovered after the flight. The Zhuque-3 landing marks China's second rocket stage recovery, following a sea platform landing in July, and included the first use of deployable landing legs.
Reported by nbcnews.com · How we write briefs