News China's Long March 8 rocket to be partially reusable?

[MaverickSawyer]

Just saw this cross my news feed:

http://spacenews.com/china-to-test-rocket-reusability-with-planned-long-march-8-launcher/

China is developing a Long March launch vehicle with a reusable first stage that could have its trial launch as early as 2020, according to a senior Chinese rocket designer.

It's an interesting read, and, if true, is a sign that the Chinese space program is taking SpaceX and Blue Origin seriously.

 

[jsky]

Very interesting read! Glad other countries are following the reusable rocket route for the future of space travel.

 

[Thunder Chicken]

Interesting that it seems to group the boosters and the core as a single landable element. I wonder if the boosters and core need to burn out simultaneously, or if they are sequenced. If sequenced they are hauling jettisonable hardware against gravity.

 

[Urwumpe]

Interesting that it seems to group the boosters and the core as a single landable element. I wonder if the boosters and core need to burn out simultaneously, or if they are sequenced. If sequenced they are hauling jettisonable hardware against gravity.

According to the article, the boosters land themselves by classic parachutes.