China recovers Long March 10B booster using sea-based net catch (arstechnica.com)

• CASC recovers first stage of Long March 10B via net catch on ship in South China Sea.
• Rocket lifted off from Wenchang, deployed classified payload CX-26 to orbit.
• Achievement positions China as third entity to recover orbital-class booster, after SpaceX and Blue Origin.

"The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) successfully recovered the first stage of its Long March 10B rocket on July 10, 2026, marking China's first controlled rocket recovery. The booster was caught by a tensioned-cable net on an offshore vessel in the South China Sea after launching from Wenchang. The upper stage deployed an unknown payload (CX-26) into orbit. This achievement makes CASC the third organization (after SpaceX and Blue Origin) to recover an orbital-class booster. The Long March 10B is a medium-lift rocket with 16-ton capacity to LEO, and the recovery technique reduces mass penalty from landing legs. China aims to use the rocket family for crewed Moon missions by 2030."