---
type: entity
entity_type: company
name: "Long March 10"
domain: space-development
status: active
tracked_by: astra
created: 2026-03-11
key_metrics:
  first_stage_recovery: "2026-02-11"
  reusable_variant_launch: "2026-04-05 (scheduled)"
  payload_capacity: "11,000 kg to 900km at 50° inclination"
  recovery_method: "tethered wire catch + cable-net ship recovery"
---

# Long March 10

China's Long March 10 is a new-generation carrier rocket program developing reusable first-stage capability. The program achieved controlled first-stage sea landing on February 11, 2026, with the reusable variant (Long March 10B) scheduled for first test flight April 5, 2026. The recovery system uses a novel tethered wire approach where hooks catch tensioned cables, supported by the dedicated 25,000-ton recovery ship "Ling Hang Zhe."

## Timeline

- **2026-02-11** — First stage completed controlled sea landing in predetermined area during low-altitude demonstration flight
- **2026-02-11** — Simultaneous test of Mengzhou crewed spaceship maximum dynamic pressure abort
- **2026-02-05** — Recovery ship "Ling Hang Zhe" observed leaving shipyard for sea trials with recovery gantry and cable system installed
- **2026-04-05** — Long March 10B reusable variant first test flight scheduled from Wenchang Space Launch Site

## Relationship to KB

- Challenges [[China is the only credible peer competitor in space with comprehensive capabilities and state-directed acceleration closing the reusability gap in 5-8 years]] — timeline compressed to ~2 years
- Demonstrates [[state-directed-space-programs-can-compress-technology-development-timelines-through-coordinated-industrial-policy]] <!-- claim pending -->
- Represents [[china-cable-net-recovery-represents-independent-innovation-trajectory-not-technology-copying]] <!-- claim pending -->
- Must prove [[reusability without rapid turnaround and minimal refurbishment does not reduce launch costs as the Space Shuttle proved over 30 years]] through operational performance