China successfully landed the first stage of its Long March-10B reusable rocket on Friday, marking a significant milestone in its space program. The booster was recovered using a net-based system on a seaborne platform, a world-first achievement in rocket recovery technology.
The Long March-10B lifted off from Hainan Island at 12:15 pm local time and placed a satellite into orbit before the first stage separated and returned to Earth. Unlike SpaceX's Falcon 9, which uses landing legs, the Long March-10B was captured by a net attached to a floating platform.
Key Developments
- First Successful Recovery: China became the second country after the U.S. to recover an orbital-class rocket booster.
- Net-Based System: The recovery method uses a net and landing hooks, reducing structural damage and enabling rapid reuse.
Technical and Commercial Implications
The Long March-10B is part of China's efforts to develop reusable rockets for commercial space missions. It can carry a payload of at least 16 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, comparable to SpaceX's Falcon 9. The successful recovery is expected to lower launch costs and support China's expanding commercial satellite network.
Comparison with U.S. Companies
SpaceX achieved its first booster landing in 2015 and now launches about 150 missions annually, reusing boosters multiple times. Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, landed its New Glenn rocket in 2025 but faced setbacks, including an explosion during a test in May.
Market Reaction
Shares in Chinese aerospace firms, including China Spacesat and China Satellite Communications, surged following the news, hitting their daily trading limits.
Future Plans
China plans to reuse the recovered booster before the end of the year and continues to advance reusable launch vehicle technology. The country aims to narrow the gap with the U.S. in reusable rocket technology and support its crewed lunar missions before 2030.