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China moves closer to reusable rockets after two booster recoveries
Analysts said recovering orbital-class boosters could cut satellite launch costs and increase launch frequency, strengthening the military’s satellite-supported “kill chain.”
A pair of recent rocket recoveries has moved China closer to mastering reusable launch technology, according to the SCMP Economy, with analysts saying the advance could improve the resilience of the People’s Liberation Army’s satellite-supported “kill chain,” the process of identifying, tracking and engaging targets. SCMP Economy said commercial rocket firm LandSpace recovered a stainless-steel booster using deployable legs after an orbital flight earlier this week. It added that state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation also completed a successful launch last month that achieved the world’s first recovery of an orbital-class booster at sea using a net-capture system.
Defense experts cited by SCMP Economy said reusability would likely lower the cost of placing satellites into orbit and allow more frequent launches. They also argued that improved space capabilities can affect functions tied to communication, navigation and surveillance.
SCMP Economy further reported comments from Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, who described space as a crucial operational domain in modern warfare. Davis said militaries depend on space systems for communications and battlespace awareness, and without them forces could be “effectively deaf, dumb and blind,” reducing their ability to coordinate and carry out operations.