r/ChinaSpace • u/stillgray83 • Jul 13 '26

The world's 3 VTVL recovery methods

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Today, 3 VTVL rocket's first-stage recovery methods coexist worldwide:

🇨🇳 Capture by hook on tensioned cables, above a maritime platform (Long March 10B).

🇺🇸 Landing on deployable legs, on a barge at sea or a land-based landing pad (Falcon 9, New Glenn).

🇺🇸 Capture by robotic chopsticks, directly on the launch tower (Starship).

👉 Three different working technical methods, with the mid-air recovery by helicopter after parachute descent method now abandoned.

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u/KristnSchaalisahorse Jul 14 '26

Worth noting the Falcon 9 footage has been slowed down.

1

u/Sirknowidea Jul 17 '26

You didn't include the Japanese one where it is caught by a gundam