China takes a page from SpaceX and recaptures the first stage of a rocket to reuse it

China has successfully recaptured the first stage of its Long March-10B rocket for the first time on Friday, July 10, 2026. The rocket's first stage separated after liftoff and was recovered on a seaborne platform using a net-capture system near Wenchang in Hainan province. This achievement marks a significant step for China's space program, mirroring SpaceX's practice of reusing rocket boosters to reduce launch costs. The reusable Long March-10B can carry up to 16,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit.

China has successfully landed a reusable rocket for the first time, marking a significant advancement for its space program. The Long March 10B rocket, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, lifted off from Hainan on Friday. Approximately six minutes after separating from the rocket's upper stage, the booster returned vertically and was recovered on a floating platform. This achievement follows similar successful landings by US companies SpaceX and Blue Origin. Reusable rockets significantly reduce the cost of space launches and exploration by allowing boosters, the most valuable rocket components, to be reused.

China successfully recovered a reusable rocket booster on Friday during the maiden launch of its Long March 10B rocket. This marks China's first controlled orbital-class booster recovery and makes it the second nation globally to achieve this capability. The recovery utilized a novel sea-based net-capture system, distinct from methods used by SpaceX. The Long March 10B, a 70-meter tall medium-lift rocket, launched from the Wenchang space launch site in southern China. This achievement signifies a significant advancement in China's space technology and reusable rocket capabilities.