Long March-10B Reusable Rocket Test (Space & Defence Sectors)
Long March-10B Reusable Rocket Test (Space & Defence Sectors)
Why In News:
On 10 July 2026, China's China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) successfully recovered the first stage of its Long March-10B rocket after an orbital launch, becoming only the second country after the United States to achieve reusable orbital-class rocket recovery.
Source: The Indian Express, Page 12, 13 July 2026 - 'China's Long March in space tech continues with reusable rocket'
How the Recovery Worked
Unlike SpaceX's Falcon 9, which lands on deployable legs, the Long March-10B used a net-capture recovery system: a hook mechanism on the descending booster engaged tensioned cables strung across a floating recovery platform at sea.
About six minutes after stage separation, the booster descended vertically and was captured, with an automated locking platform securing it for transport.
The Long March-10B shares its first-stage core with the Long March-10A and is a two-stage vehicle with a 5-metre diameter.
Strategic Significance
Reusable rockets sharply cut launch costs and turnaround time; SpaceX's Falcon 9 pioneered this with routine booster reuse for nearly a decade, dominating the global commercial launch market.
CASC plans to attempt reuse of the recovered booster by the end of 2026; the Long March-10 series also underpins China's plans for crewed lunar missions.
Key Facts for Prelims
Long March is China's principal family of orbital carrier rockets, developed by CASC, analogous to India's PSLV/GSLV/LVM3 or the US Falcon series.
Blue Origin's New Glenn achieved its first successful booster landing in November 2025, making the United States home to two firms (SpaceX and Blue Origin) with reusable rocket capability.
Reusable launch technology is considered strategically important for satellite communications, defence, and space-based infrastructure, not just cost reduction.