China Achieves First Reusable Rocket Booster Landing at Sea

Jul 10, 2026

59 min

Jul 10, 2026 08:31

China nails first reusable rocket booster landing in dazzling sea catch

## Successful Launch and Recovery

China has successfully completed its first controlled recovery of a reusable rocket booster, marking a significant milestone in its space program. The Long March 10B rocket was launched from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site in Hainan on Friday. The booster was recovered approximately six minutes after separation using a net or cable system on an offshore platform in the South China Sea.

## Third Global Achievement

This accomplishment makes China the third entity globally, after SpaceX and Blue Origin, to recover an orbital-class reusable booster. The Long March 10B is a partially reusable rocket designed to support China's crewed lunar missions. It features a five-meter-diameter first stage powered by YF-100K engines and uses a wire/net recovery system instead of traditional landing legs.

## Future Prospects

The successful mission is expected to lower launch costs and increase the frequency of launches. While no details have been released about future reuses of the booster, China plans to continue developing reusable rocket technology to compete with Western commercial space leaders. Additional flights of the Long March 10 series are anticipated in the coming months as China prepares for more ambitious space missions.

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