China Achieves Reusable Rocket Milestone with Long March 10 Test
China has successfully conducted a vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) test of a Long March 10 booster, marking a significant step in its pursuit of fully reusable launch vehicles. According to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), the test flight verified the performance of the rocket’s guidance, navigation, and control systems, positioning China as the second nation to demonstrate this specific capability after the United States.
Technical Execution of the Long March 10 Test
The test took place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, where a prototype of the Long March 10 booster ascended to a pre-determined altitude before descending to a controlled touchdown. The mission utilized a liquid oxygen and kerosene engine configuration, a design choice intended to optimize the balance between thrust and landing stability.
Engineers at CALT confirmed that the landing occurred within a designated recovery zone, demonstrating the precision required for future orbital missions. This test specifically focused on the “grid fin” stabilization system and the engine throttling capabilities necessary to slow the vehicle during its final descent, mirroring the mechanical requirements seen in SpaceX’s Falcon 9 recovery operations.
Comparing Reusable Launch Capabilities
The global landscape for reusable space transport is currently dominated by private and state-backed initiatives that aim to drastically reduce the cost of access to orbit. The Long March 10 program represents China’s strategic pivot toward a model similar to the SpaceX Falcon 9, which pioneered the recovery of first-stage boosters.
| Vehicle | Operator | Primary Status |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Falcon 9 | SpaceX | Operational (Regularly recovered) |
| Starship | SpaceX | Developmental (Flight testing) |
| New Glenn | Blue Origin | Developmental (Upcoming maiden flight) |
| Long March 10 | CALT | Developmental (VTVL testing) |
While the Falcon 9 has completed hundreds of successful landings, the Long March 10 is designed to serve as the launch vehicle for China’s next-generation crewed moon missions. The shift toward reusability is intended to support the country’s broader goal of establishing a sustainable lunar presence by 2030.
Strategic Implications for Lunar Exploration
The development of the Long March 10 is tied directly to the China Manned Space Agency’s (CMSA) roadmap for lunar exploration. By integrating reusability into its heavy-lift architecture, the program aims to lower the mass-to-orbit cost, which is a critical metric for long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Analysts note that China’s progress in vertical landing technology mirrors the broader trend of “rapid reusability” seen in the international space sector. Unlike earlier space programs that relied on expendable hardware, the current focus is on high-cadence flight schedules. The success of this recent test suggests that the Long March 10 will likely enter its next phase of integration, moving toward full-scale orbital launch attempts in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Long March 10 rocket?
The Long March 10 is being developed primarily to support China’s crewed lunar landing program, intended to transport taikonauts to the Moon by 2030.
How does this test differ from previous Chinese rocket launches?
Previous Chinese orbital rockets were designed as expendable vehicles. This test marks the first time a major Chinese state-developed booster has successfully demonstrated the VTVL maneuver, a fundamental requirement for reusability.
Which agencies are involved in the Long March 10 project?
The rocket is developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), which operates under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the state-owned contractor for the Chinese space program.