China's state media announced on Friday the successful first test of an experimental system to recover a rocket propulsion unit through vertical landing on a sea platform, a step that boosts Beijing's efforts to develop reusable rockets.

Reports said a Long March 10B rocket launched from a commercial spacecraft launch site in Hainan province, south China, where the propulsion unit separated from the upper stage about six minutes after launch, then returned and landed vertically on a sea platform, and was successfully recovered.

China Central Television (CCTV) explained that the operation represents the first successful and controlled recovery of a rocket propulsion unit in China, an achievement that is an important milestone in its space program.

The test is part of China's efforts to develop reusable rocket technologies, which helps reduce launch costs and enhance its competitiveness in the space sector, as it seeks to compete with leading American companies in this field, especially SpaceX.