China becomes second country to recover orbital booster with Long March 10B

2026-07-10 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Science & Research — Space Science & Astronomy, Engineering & Applied Sciences · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

China's Long March 10B rocket successfully recovered its first stage on July 10 at 12:15 a.m. Eastern (0415 UTC) from Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, marking a significant advancement in the country's reusable rocket capabilities. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the recovery 11 minutes after liftoff, utilizing a sea platform with a net capture system, six minutes after stage separation. This achievement places CASC alongside SpaceX and Blue Origin in orbital booster recovery. The 63-meter-long, 5-meter-diameter Long March 10B, with a liftoff mass of 760,000 kilograms and a 16,000 kg low Earth orbit payload capacity in reusable mode, is designed for satellite internet constellation deployment and large commercial launches. This success also boosts China's crewed lunar program, with the Long March 10 series intended to launch astronauts to the moon before 2030. CASC plans to reuse this first stage before year-end.

Key takeaway

For space industry analysts tracking global launch capabilities, China's successful Long March 10B first stage recovery signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape. This achievement validates a unique net capture recovery method, potentially offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional landing leg systems. You should monitor CASC's planned reuse of this booster and the upcoming Long March 10A launch for further insights into China's accelerated lunar program and commercial space ambitions.

Key insights

China's Long March 10B achieved orbital booster recovery using a novel net capture system, advancing its reusable space capabilities.

Principles

• Reusability reduces space launch costs.
• Net capture avoids landing legs.
• Common core stages enable mission flexibility.

Method

The Long March 10B first stage performed a controlled, powered descent to a sea platform, where a tensioned net system with hydraulic damping captured the booster via deployed hooks.

In practice

• Deploy satellite internet constellations.
• Launch large commercial satellites.
• Support crewed lunar missions.

Topics

• Long March 10B
• Reusable Rockets
• First Stage Recovery
• Net Capture System
• Crewed Lunar Program
• CASC

Best for: Tech Journalist, General Interest, Research Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.