China intends to use wires to intercept rockets that it wants to reuse for space missions.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the nation’s principal space contractor and a state-owned enterprise, is developing reusable rockets. China’s Long March takes off thanks to CASC.

In 2025 and 2026, the massive space and defense company hopes to launch its first two reusable rockets. These seem to be connected to China’s intentions for both lunar and human spaceflight.

Though greatly influenced by SpaceX Falcon 9’s tremendous success, China’s strategy will be a little different. Similar to the Falcon 9, the rocket’s first stage will continue to use variable-thrust engines to moderate its descent. However, the rocket will release hooks at the top that will be captured by tightwires in place of landing legs.

a video that the state media released China Central Television (CCTV) shows the Long March 10, a human-rated rocket, taking off with the obvious cross-shaped crew escape device on top. After that, its core stage displays a grid fin navigation system and a reentry burn.

Ultimately, the rocket stage uses retropropulsion to navigate itself to a sea landing stage, where it lowers and is captured by tightening cables.