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When did rocket recovery start?

The concept of recovering rocket stages has been around for decades, but practical, routine recovery only became a reality in recent years. Companies like SpaceX pioneered the technology, proving that vertical landings were achievable. China's recent land recovery of the Zhuque-3 builds on this global progress, marking its own significant entry into this advanced field.

Stories that explain this

China recovers rocket stage on land for first time, after earlier recovery at sea

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