Story perspectives

China Nets Long March 10B Booster, Proving Reusability

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

China retrieved the Long March 10B first stage with a sea-based net system, a technique unique among nations.
The 70-metre rocket launched from Wenchang at 12:15 pm local time on Friday.
The booster, powered by seven YF-100K kerosene-liquid-oxygen engines, returned vertically six minutes after separation.
CCTV said the recovery validates the reusability design and could lower launch costs for cargo missions delivering up to 16 tonnes to low Earth orbit.

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Story summary

China retrieved the Long March 10B first stage with a sea-based net system, a technique unique among nations.
The 70-metre rocket launched from Wenchang at 12:15 pm local time on Friday.
The booster, powered by seven YF-100K kerosene-liquid-oxygen engines, returned vertically six minutes after separation.
CCTV said the recovery validates the reusability design and could lower launch costs for cargo missions delivering up to 16 tonnes to low Earth orbit.