---
type: entity
entity_type: company
name: "Long March 10"
domain: space-development
status: active
tracked_by: astra
created: 2026-03-11
key_metrics:
  payload_capacity: "11,000 kg to 900km altitude at 50° inclination (LM-10B)"
  recovery_method: "Cable-net system with tethered landing devices"
  first_recovery: "2026-02-11"
  reusable_variant_launch: "2026-04-05 (NET)"
---

# Long March 10

China's Long March 10 is a heavy-lift carrier rocket program with reusable first-stage capability. The LM-10B reusable variant uses restartable engines, grid fins, and a novel cable-net recovery system fundamentally different from SpaceX's propulsive landing approach. China successfully demonstrated controlled first-stage sea landing on February 11, 2026.

## Timeline

- **2026-02-11** — First successful controlled sea landing of Long March 10 first stage in predetermined recovery area. Simultaneous test of Mengzhou crew vehicle max-Q abort system.
- **2026-02-05** (approx) — Recovery ship "Ling Hang Zhe" (25,000 tons, 472 feet) observed leaving shipyard with cable and net recovery gantry installed for sea trials.
- **2026-04-05** — Scheduled first test flight of LM-10B reusable variant from Wenchang Space Launch Site (NET).

## Relationship to KB

- [[China is the only credible peer competitor in space with comprehensive capabilities and state-directed acceleration closing the reusability gap in 5-8 years]] — LM-10 timeline challenges the "5-8 years" prediction
- [[reusability without rapid turnaround and minimal refurbishment does not reduce launch costs as the Space Shuttle proved over 30 years]] — LM-10's cable-net recovery approach has unknown refurbishment implications
- [[launch cost reduction is the keystone variable that unlocks every downstream space industry at specific price thresholds]] — China's reusability affects global launch market competitive dynamics

Topics:
- [[domains/space-development/_map]]