Launch

The Long March 10B is a reusable launch vehicle based on the 1st stage of the Long March 10A, in turn derived from a single 1st stage core of the Long March 10, with 7 YF-100 series kerosene/liquid oxygen staged-combustion cycle engines on the 1st stage. Like the Long March 10A, the 10B’s 1st stage is designed to be recovered downrange by a recovery barge equipped with an arrestor net and support frame, with the 1st stage landing on the net’s cables using its grid fins. The 2nd stage, however, uses a single YF-219 gas generator cycle methane/liquid oxygen engine with 140 tonnes of thrust. The Long March 10B became China's first orbital launch vehicle with its first stage booster being recovered, during its first launch on 10 July 2026.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.