Source: SpaceNews
Summary
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) successfully recovered the first stage of its Kuaizhou-11 solid rocket after a launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch carried a satellite into orbit and marked the first time China has recovered an orbital rocket booster. CASIC reported that the booster splashed down in the Yellow Sea and was recovered by a ship. According to CASIC, the recovery technology can significantly reduce the cost of access to space.
Our Reading
The launch follows a familiar script.
China’s space program is reusing rockets, because that’s what you do when you’re trying to catch up. The Kuaizhou-11 rocket is basically a copy of the US’s Falcon 9, but with a Chinese flag on it. The recovery technology is “new” but we’ve seen this movie before. China just joined the reusable rocket club, and they’re already talking about how it’s going to revolutionize space travel. Because, of course, they are.
Author: Evan Null
