China successfully launched the Long March 10B (Changzheng-10B) rocket from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site on July 10, 2026, marking the nation's first successful controlled recovery of a reusable launch vehicle.
Key points
- The rocket's first stage was captured by a specialized net system on a maritime platform located over 300 kilometers from the launch site.
- The Long March 10B utilizes a two-stage configuration with a 5-meter diameter, featuring liquid oxygen-kerosene and liquid oxygen-methane propulsion systems.
- The recovery process employed a unique net-capture technology, distinguishing it from the landing-leg methods commonly used by other international space agencies.
- The mission was supported by a 70-meter-long 'three-flat' transport and erection device designed for horizontal assembly, testing, and transport.
- Experts anticipate that China's reusable rocket technology will reach a small-batch, regularized launch phase within the next three to five years.
Why it matters
This achievement represents a significant breakthrough in China's reusable space transport capabilities, potentially lowering launch costs and accelerating the deployment of large-scale satellite internet constellations.