At 12:15 PM Beijing Time on July 10th, China’s new-generation large liquid-propellant rocket, the Long March 10B, soared into the skies from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site on its maiden voyage, precisely placing its payload into the predetermined orbit. During this mission, the rocket’s core first stage executed a vertical descent and was successfully captured by a colossal net aboard the “Navigator” offshore platform in the South China Sea, situated 430 kilometers from the launch site. This marked China’s triumph as the second nation, following the United States, to accomplish flight verification for the recovery of a large liquid-fueled carrier rocket’s core first stage. Furthermore, the innovative net-based recovery method represents a global first.

Rocket recovery technology is a game-changer, substantially reducing launch costs and boosting launch frequency. In contrast to the prevailing landing leg recovery approach, the net-based technique employed by the Long March 10B transfers the weight of landing gear to the platform, thereby conserving payload capacity for more efficient utilization.

The success of this maiden flight and recovery was no stroke of luck. Prior to this milestone, relevant technologies had undergone rigorous preparation through ground tests and a low-altitude demonstration in February of this year. The only novel element was the final net capture, which was executed flawlessly for the first time.

This achievement not only amasses critical technologies and invaluable experience for China’s manned lunar landing program slated before 2030 but also caters to the demand for cost-effective, high-frequency launches essential for the large-scale deployment of low-Earth orbit satellite internet networks. Looking ahead, flight recovery tests for multiple domestic reusable rockets will be conducted in sequence, with rocket reuse gradually becoming the industry standard.