China to rival SpaceX with first reusable rocket recovery vessel

China has taken a significant step toward competing with SpaceX in reusable rocket technology by launching its first rocket recovery drone ship, named Xingji Guihang (“Interstellar Return”). Developed by the Beijing-based private aerospace firm iSpace, this vessel is designed to autonomously reposition itself to capture rocket first stages returning from space, similar to SpaceX’s autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS). Measuring approximately 100 meters long and 42 meters wide, Xingji Guihang features a large recovery deck and employs a dynamic positioning system to precisely align with descending boosters. This development marks China as the second country, after the US, to operate an active rocket recovery drone ship. The drone ship is intended to support multiple Chinese rocket providers and is not exclusive to iSpace launches. It was specifically designed for iSpace’s upcoming SQX-3 rocket launch, scheduled for later in 2025. Currently undergoing testing, the vessel will travel from its construction site in Yangzhou down the Yangtze River to the