China achieves first land recovery of reusable rocket
10:16, 19/08/2026, WednesdayU: Update: 10:18, 19/08/2026, Wednesday
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File photoState media reported on Wednesday that China successfully completed its first-ever land-based recovery of a reusable rocket booster, marking a major breakthrough in low-cost launch technology after the second stage delivered the Honghu-03 satellite into preset orbit.
The Zhuque-3 Y2 rocket successfully completed its maiden land-based recovery on Wednesday, with the 66.1-meter vehicle's nine-engine first stage touching down smoothly at a designated site in Gansu province approximately 390 kilometers from the Dongfeng launch pad in northwest China, Xinhua News Agency reported.
Stainless steel design
Developed by the commercial aerospace firm LandSpace, the stainless steel rocket is powered by liquid oxygen and methane, materials chosen for their heat resistance and potential to reduce production costs. The vehicle can deliver 14.2 metric tons to low Earth orbit on a single mission, according to specifications approved by the China National Space Administration.
Milestone in reusability
The land-based recovery followed a successful sea-based net capture of the Long March-10B's first stage on July 10, demonstrating Beijing's advancing capabilities in reusable launch systems. The flight mission highlights China's push for high-frequency, cost-effective space access as the second stage continued into orbit to deploy the Honghu-03 satellite.
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