49453dc49e
- Source: inbox/archive/2026-02-11-china-long-march-10-sea-landing.md - Domain: space-development - Extracted by: headless extraction cron (worker 3) Pentagon-Agent: Astra <HEADLESS>
30 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
30 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
---
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type: entity
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entity_type: company
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name: "Long March 10"
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domain: space-development
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status: active
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tracked_by: astra
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created: 2026-03-11
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key_metrics:
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payload_capacity: "11,000 kg to 900km altitude at 50° inclination (LM-10B)"
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recovery_method: "tethered wire catch / cable-net system"
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first_stage_features: "restartable engines, grid fins"
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---
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# Long March 10
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China's new-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle with reusable first stage capability. The Long March 10B variant incorporates controlled descent and sea recovery, representing China's entry into operational reusability competition. Recovery approach uses tethered landing devices caught by tensioned wire system, fundamentally different from SpaceX propulsive landing.
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## Timeline
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- **2026-02-11** — First successful low-altitude demonstration and verification flight test with controlled first-stage sea landing in predetermined area
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- **2026-02-11** — Simultaneous test of maximum dynamic pressure abort for Mengzhou crewed spaceship
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- **2026-04-05** — Long March 10B (reusable variant) first test flight scheduled (NET) from Wenchang Space Launch Site
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## Relationship to KB
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- Directly challenges timeline in [[China is the only credible peer competitor in space with comprehensive capabilities and state-directed acceleration closing the reusability gap in 5-8 years]] — gap closed in ~2 years, not 5-8
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- Recovery method represents independent innovation trajectory, not SpaceX imitation
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- Demonstrates state-directed acceleration compressing technology development timelines
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- Related to [[reusability without rapid turnaround and minimal refurbishment does not reduce launch costs as the Space Shuttle proved over 30 years]] — operational reusability metrics not yet disclosed
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