The successful recovery of a Long March-10B rocket booster using a net at sea marks a major step in the global space race for China. Astropolitics expert Bleddyn Bowen told DW the achievement reflects China's efforts to follow the reusable rocket model pioneered by SpaceX.

Reusable rockets could help China rapidly expand satellite megaconstellations, strengthen its military and commercial space capabilities and compete with the US. Bowen also examines the roles of Europe, Japan, India and Russia in an increasingly competitive space sector.