Full Breakdown
China Retrieves Orbital-Class Booster with Net-Based Sea Platform
7/10/2026, 5:55:36 PM
Successful Sea-Based Booster Retrieval
On July 10, a Long March 10B rocket launched from the Hainan commercial space launch site at 12:15 p.m. (0415 GMT). About six minutes after booster-upper-stage separation, the booster descended vertically and was captured by a net attached to an offshore platform, marking China’s first successful recovery of an orbital-class rocket. The test was reported by state broadcaster CCTV and is intended to reduce launch costs for China’s expanding commercial satellite constellations.
Development Context and Technological Approach
The Long March 10B, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, can deliver at least 16 metric tons to low-Earth orbit. Unlike SpaceX’s Falcon 9, which lands on deployable legs, the Chinese booster uses “landing hooks” that snag a net on a sea platform. The system follows nearly a decade of Chinese reusable-rocket experiments, ranging from low-altitude hover tests to prior orbital-class recovery attempts that fell short. Private firms such as LandSpace and the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation also pursued net-based recovery last year but failed to complete the final landing step.
Official Statements & Future Plans
CCTV said China intends to fly the Long March 10 booster again by the end of the year, using the recovered stage for another mission. The booster is part of the Long March 10 family, which supports crewed lunar missions planned before 2030. Chinese regulators have eased IPO rules for companies developing reusable rockets, aiming to spur private-sector investment amid intense global competition.
Industry Reaction & Market Impact
Shares of aerospace firms China Spacesat and China Satellite Communications surged to their daily limits following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about cost-saving reusable technology.
Verbatim Quotes
- “(0415 GMT) and, about six minutes after separation of its booster and upper stage, the booster returned vertically and was recovered on an offshore platform, state broadcaster CCTV reported.” — CCTV
- “But unlike the Falcon 9, the Long March 10B does not autonomously land on deployable legs on a ground pad or drone ship, using instead "landing hooks" to catch the net attached to a sea platform.” — state media
- “Two attempts by private Chinese firm LandSpace and state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation last year failed to complete the crucial final step of landing and booster recovery.” — state media
- “China plans to use the Long March 10's booster stage again for another launch by the end of this year, CCTV said.” — CCTV
