科技日报：理性看待商业航天探索中遇到的挫折

Core Viewpoint - The recent launch of the Zhuque-3 rocket by Blue Arrow Aerospace marks China's first attempt at orbital-level recovery verification for reusable rockets, despite the failure of the first stage recovery during landing, highlighting the challenges and complexities involved in rocket recovery technology [1][2]. Group 1: Launch and Recovery Challenges - The Zhuque-3 rocket successfully completed its flight mission, with the second stage entering the designated orbit, but the first stage experienced an abnormal burn during landing, resulting in a failed recovery test [1]. - The recovery of rockets is highly complex, requiring perfect coordination of sensors, grid fins, flight control algorithms, and variable thrust engines, with many issues only becoming apparent during real flight tests [1]. Group 2: Comparison with Global Peers - Compared to the United States, China's commercial space industry is relatively new and has a weaker technological foundation; however, the progress in developing reusable rockets is commendable [2]. - SpaceX, founded in 2002, took 13 years to master rocket recovery technology, while Blue Origin, established in 2000, achieved success with its New Glenn rocket 25 years later; in contrast, Blue Arrow Aerospace, founded in 2015, has already entered the orbital recovery testing phase with the Zhuque-3 [2]. Group 3: Industry Environment and Public Perception - The commercial space sector is an important complement to the national space team, characterized by efficiency, flexibility, low costs, and a willingness to take risks; fostering an environment that embraces failure is crucial for its development [2]. - Following the failure of the Zhuque-3 recovery test, social media reactions were largely supportive and encouraging, reflecting a public understanding of the risks associated with commercial space endeavors and confidence in national technological progress [2].