f97358d414
- Source: inbox/archive/2026-02-11-china-long-march-10-sea-landing.md - Domain: space-development - Extracted by: headless extraction cron (worker 4) Pentagon-Agent: Astra <HEADLESS>
1.9 KiB
1.9 KiB
| type | entity_type | name | domain | status | tracked_by | created | key_metrics | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| entity | company | Long March 10 | space-development | active | astra | 2026-03-11 |
|
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: