China's state-owned rocket developer announced the successful recovery of a reusable orbital-class booster for the first time on July 10, 2026, in the South China Sea. The mission commenced with the launch of a Long March 10B rocket from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site on Hainan Island at 12:15 am EDT (04:15 UTC). The rocket, measuring approximately 209 feet (63.6 meters) tall and powered by seven kerosene-fueled engines, reached its peak before the booster descended and guided itself onto a four-legged frame on an offshore vessel. Tensioned cables on the ship captured the rocket as it shut down its landing engines. The upper stage of the rocket continued into orbit, deploying a payload designated CX-26. Chinese officials described the mission as a complete success.
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China successfully recovers its first reusable orbital-class rocket
On July 10, 2026, China announced the successful recovery of its first reusable orbital-class rocket booster in the South China Sea. The Long March 10B rocket launched from Hainan Island and successfully landed on an offshore vessel, marking a significant milestone in China's space program.
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China recovered its first reusable rocket and showed a new way to do it
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China successfully recovers its first reusable orbital-class rocket