China’s Long March 10B rocket successfully completed its first reusable rocket recovery on Friday, July 10, 2026, in the South China Sea. This historic mission began with the liftoff from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, marking a significant advancement in China's space capabilities.
Details of the Long March 10B Launch
The Long March 10B, powered by seven kerosene-fueled engines and standing approximately 209 feet tall (63.6 meters), took off at 12:15 am EDT (04:15 UTC). About 10 minutes after launch, the booster descended and guided itself into a four-legged frame on an offshore vessel. Tensioned cables captured the booster as it shut down its landing engines, demonstrating a novel recovery method.
Chinese officials celebrated the mission as a “complete success.” Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated, “China’s Long March 10B has successfully completed its maiden flight—and recovered its first stage via a sea-based net. This marks the country’s first-ever controlled rocket recovery.”
Comparing Recovery Methods in Space Launches
The recovery method employed by the Long March 10B differs from those used by other companies. SpaceX, for instance, utilizes propulsive landings for its Falcon 9 and Starship boosters, while Blue Origin's New Glenn booster also landed on an offshore platform. The Long March 10B’s technique combines elements of both, reducing the payload capacity's impact by eliminating the need for landing legs.
- Launch Date: July 10, 2026
- Rocket Height: 209 feet (63.6 meters)
- Payload Capacity: 16 metric tons (35,000 pounds)
- Engine Types: Seven YF-100K engines on booster, one methane-fueled YF-219 engine on second stage
Future of China’s Reusable Rocket Technology
The successful recovery of the Long March 10B is a crucial step toward advancing China’s reusable launch capabilities. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) aims to optimize the rocket's performance and complete further tests by the end of the year. The Long March 10A, a similar rocket, is also in development, with potential crew launches planned for the future.
China's ambitions include a heavier configuration of the Long March 10, which will support its Moon program, aiming for lunar landings by 2030. This launch signifies a small yet meaningful step in that direction, as China continues to compete in the global space race.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Ars Technica. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
