China Successfully Catches Falling Rocket Booster with Giant Net

China recovered the lower half of a Long March rocket intact by catching it in a large net at sea on July 10, 2026. The booster was the first piece fired upward with cargo; the net method differs from SpaceX's approach of using legs to land rockets. China plans to reuse the booster later this year, confirming the method works after missing a practice attempt in February.