China successfully recovered a rocket during an orbital launch for the first time, with the Long March 10B's first stage landing softly on a ship-based net structure.
The rocket's first stage was successfully recovered
Jul 10, 2026
01:22 pm
What's the storyChina has achieved a major milestone in space exploration by successfully landing a rocket during an orbital launch.
The historic feat was accomplished with the maiden flight of the Long March 10B on Friday.
China caught a Long March-10B booster in a net at sea, its first reusable-rocket recovery. It joins SpaceX and Blue Origin, but…
Soon after launch, the first stage of the rocket returned vertically and was recovered via a sea platform: state media.
China's successful recovery of the first stage of a Long March 10B rocket brings them closer to SpaceX's reusable rocket…
Recovered rocket booster expected to be reused in another launch by end of this year
China recovered a reusable rocket booster for the first time on Friday, marking a milestone for the country's space program.
And China plans to refly the booster by the end of the year.
China Lands Reusable Rocket Booster for the First Time, Closes Gap With SpaceX in Orbital Launch Race - S
