China successfully recovers Long March 10B reusable rocket booster

China's Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation launched the Long March 10B from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Centre and, six minutes after stage separation, recovered the first stage on a floating platform. The booster was guided to a net attached to the platform, marking the country's first successful recovery of a reusable launch vehicle.

The Long March 10B can lift at least 16 tonnes to low‑earth orbit and its reusability is expected to lower launch costs, putting China in direct competition with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Blue Origin’s New Glenn. The test follows earlier attempts, including a February trial of the Long March 10A, and signals a major step in China's effort to develop a robust, reusable launch capability.