China’s Long March-10B rocket feat lights up social media: is SpaceX set to lose crown?

The space race just became a real race again, says one online commentator, after net-and-cable recovery of rocket booster sparks awe Instead of adopting methods pioneered by Elon Musk’s US-based SpaceX, the Chinese mission used a first-of-its-kind, sea-based net-and-cable system to allow for a more adaptable recovery. Reusing rocket boosters can significantly lower the cost of space missions, making massive satellite constellation deployments, deep-space exploration and crewed moon landings financially viable. The news quickly gained traction online, after state news agency Xinhua released footage showing the falling booster being snatched mid-air by a moving net at sea.

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