China's First Rocket Net-Based Recovery Offshore Platform Successfully Delivered

A reporter learned from the First Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) that the country's first rocket net-based recovery offshore platform, developed under the leadership of the academy, was recently named "Pathfinder" and successfully delivered. This marks the completion of a crucial link in the academy's technological chain for reusable launch vehicles, promoting the leap from technological verification to engineering application.

Experts from the First Academy of CASC explained that this platform represents another significant advancement under the guidance of China's manned space program, driving the renewal and upgrading of the country's manned Earth-space transportation system. It will further facilitate the "dual improvement" in efficiency and effectiveness of key technologies for offshore recovery of reusable launch vehicles, ensuring China's core competitiveness in cutting-edge fields such as rapid launches and low-cost access to space.

Combined with products such as the net-based recovery device, this platform will jointly establish a stable, reliable, and precise rocket recovery system at sea. Experts noted that the successful development of this platform is the result of interdisciplinary innovation integrating aerospace and maritime technologies. It embodies the collective wisdom of China's research institutes, leading enterprises, and higher education institutions. The platform's comprehensive demonstration work commenced in September 2024, its design was finalized in December 2024, and construction began in April 2025. After a seven-month transformation period, a series of key technological challenges were successfully overcome.

Currently, the platform has received classification and statutory certificates issued by the China Classification Society, making it China's first certified offshore rocket recovery platform.