China achieved a milestone in reusable launch technology less than a week ago when the Chang Zheng 10B became the country's first orbital-class booster to be successfully recovered, using a novel cable-net catch system at sea.
What Happened
On July 10th at 04:15 UTC, the Chang Zheng 10B lifted off from Commercial Pad LC-2 at the Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan island. Seven YF-100K engines burning liquid kerosene and oxygen powered the vehicle for approximately two and a half minutes before stage separation. The second stage, propelled by a single methane-powered YF-219 engine, deployed an experimental CX-26 satellite into an 800 km low-Earth orbit. After separation, the first stage conducted an entry burn using three engines and used its four grid fins to make a controlled return to the recovery ship waiting in the South China Sea roughly 430 kilometers downrange.
The Linghangzhe (Pathfinder) droneship—measuring approximately 144 meters long and 50 meters wide—was outfitted with a cubic raised frame structure and moveable tensioned steel cables for this catch attempt. The system uses four arresting hooks attached to the booster that snag cables as it descends, guided by Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) positioned in the framework corners communicating with actuators to reposition the cables. Damping systems in each corner absorb vertical energy as the stage shuts down engines and drops, leaving it suspended above the deck.
Additional bottom cables moved to either side of the stage after touchdown to secure it for the return voyage. The Linghangzhe arrived at Sanya port on July 14 to begin offloading operations. The mission was monitored by a team of 47 personnel aboard the Shen Kuo command ship and two additional support vessels.
Why It Matters
The successful recovery puts China among an elite group of orbital-class vehicles that have been recovered by means other than splashdown, joining first-stage boosters from the Falcon family, Starship, and New Glenn. The debut arguably surpassed that of New Glenn, which was unable to return its first stage for a successful recovery until its second mission despite deploying payload to orbit on its inaugural flight.
The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CAST) has already declared its intention to refly this first stage before the end of 2026. The demonstration validated the engine's ability to restart multiple times, confirmed vehicle robustness in flight, and verified autogenous pressurization on the upper stage. However, engineers noted areas for refinement: smoke was seen venting around the interstage during descent, and the prolonged hover maneuver consumed significant propellant—both factors that could impact potential payload mass to orbit.
The technology also has implications beyond sea-based recovery. The same catch system could later support land recoveries from inland launch sites, expanding China's reusable launch infrastructure options.
The Bottom Line
China's first successful orbital-class booster recovery marks a significant step in the country's pursuit of reusable launch vehicles. Meanwhile, LandSpace is working toward its own milestone—achieving China's first propulsive landing on solid ground with its ZhuQue-2 rocket in the coming weeks.