China achieves first Long March 12Y launch and successful reusable Jumping One rocket test

On 1 June, a Long March 12Y (Long March 12‑B) carrier rocket lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Test Zone, placing the Qianfan Polar‑Orbit 08 satellite constellation into its planned orbit. The flight marked the first mission of the Long March 12Y variant and the 647th launch in the Long March family.

Later, on 26 June, the private firm Da Hang Yueqiang announced the completion of a ground‑based natural‑circulation pre‑cooling trial for the liquid‑methane boost‑feed system of its reusable Jumping One launch vehicle. The test reproduced real‑world operating conditions, with flow and temperature measurements closely matching simulation predictions, confirming the feasibility of the methane‑based cooling approach and advancing China’s reusable‑rocket capabilities.