Successful test of the Long March 10B rocket booster
On July 10 at 8:00 PM, China achieved a first-of-its-kind milestone by capturing a Long March 10B rocket booster using a net system. This makes it only the second nation, after the United States, to successfully recover a rocket booster. The booster, built by the state-owned China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), completed its maiden flight, showcasing new advances in reusable rocket technologies.
The Long March 10B was snagged by a net, confirming China's growing expertise in space technology. According to reports, CALT plans to re-launch the rocket before the end of 2026. This mission marks a historic breakthrough for China in reusable rocket technology and lays a strong foundation for accelerating the country's space access capabilities.
China's space ambitions
Beijing has set its sights on becoming a leading space power by 2030. In 2025, the United States conducted 193 orbital launches—165 of which were by SpaceX—while China attempted 92. Notably, CALT's first attempt in February 2026 ended with the booster splashing down about 200 meters from its target platform.
Private company LandSpace is also worth mentioning, as it uses a mechanical leg system for its ZhuQue-3 rocket. However, LandSpace's attempt ended in an explosion, highlighting the challenges faced by players in the space industry.
The successful net capture of the Long March 10B booster signals a major step forward for China's space technology, with potential implications for global space competition. Given China's ambitious goal to become a leading space power by 2030, this test could be a key milestone in achieving those aims. The intensifying space race between China and the United States is likely to drive further investment and technological innovation in both countries.
The advancements in China's space technology are not limited to rocket recovery. Recently, the Tianwen-2 probe has also made significant progress by approaching its asteroid target within just 20 kilometers. This reflects the nation's commitment to enhancing its capabilities in space exploration, further solidifying its position in the global space race.