China Successfully Tests Reusable Long March-10B Rocket

• China successfully completed the maiden flight and recovery of the Long March-10B (CZ-10B) first-stage booster.
• The vehicle was recovered using a novel maritime cable and net capture system off the coast of Hainan, a first for the nation.
• The CZ-10B is a two-stage medium-lift rocket designed for commercial payloads and large satellite constellations.

Technical Specifications

• The rocket stands 70.2 meters tall with a 5-meter diameter.
• The first stage utilizes seven liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene engines.
• The upper stage is powered by a LOX and liquid methane engine.
• It offers a payload capacity of up to 16 metric tons.

Recovery Mechanism

• The system shifts the recovery process from the vehicle to ground-based infrastructure.
• A rocket-mounted hook connects with tension cables as the booster descends, slowing it down before a net captures it.
• Auxiliary cables and an automated locking platform secure the booster against ocean conditions.

Strategic Context

• China is the fifth nation to successfully recover an orbital-class rocket via propulsive landing and retrieval.
• This development follows CALT's December 2025 announcement to create a commercial variant of the Long March-10 rocket.
• The achievement supports broader national goals, including the planned 2030 crewed mission to the Moon, and strengthens China’s position in the global commercial space market.