Big catch at sea: Imagine throwing a giant net under a falling rocket stage – sounds like fishing? 🎣 This is exactly what China's new sea-based platform 'Pathfinder' is built for. Delivered on Nov 30, 2025, and certified by the China Classification Society, it's ready to support reusable rocket launches by retrieving first stages right off the waves.
Why it matters: Reusable rockets cut costs and ramp up launch rates. Think about grabbing an Uber but for rockets – same vehicle, multiple trips! 🚗➡️🚀
Fast-track tech race: China's commercial space players have been busy this year:
- August 2025: i-Space launched its landing vessel 'Xingjiguihang' (Stellar Return). With a 40-60m recovery deck, it's set to catch the SQX-3 rocket's first stage.
- August 2025: The Long March-10 manned launch vehicle nailed its first static fire test. The Long March-10A version is a reusable, two-stage beast.
- June 2025: LandSpace lit up the ground ignition test for the reusable Zhuque-3 first stage, moving one step closer to vertical landings.
Several other firms have also checked off essential vertical takeoff and landing trials, pushing China's reusable rocket scene into hyperdrive. From Bengaluru hackathons to Jakarta user groups, young techies across South and Southeast Asia are keeping a close eye on these developments – this is the future of space travel! 🌏✨
Whether you're tuning in from Kuala Lumpur or Kathmandu, 'Pathfinder' shows that the launch-and-catch model is more than a sci-fi dream. It's happening now, and we're all here for the ride. Stay tuned for more space-age updates! 🌌
Reference(s):
China's first sea-based rocket net recovery platform delivered
cgtn.com
