![\"Falcon](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Falcon-9.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Falcon 9 is the world\u2019s first reusable orbital-class rocket. It made its maiden flight on June 4, 2010, and achieved the first successful vertical landing on land of its Full Thrust variant on December 21, 2015.<\/p>\n
Although the land-based recovery succeeded, it came with a significant reduction in payload capacity. Between January 2015 and March 2016, SpaceX made four offshore landing attempts, all of which failed. The company finally achieved its first successful vertical landing at sea on April 8, 2016.<\/p>\n
On March 30, 2017, the B1021 first-stage booster\u2014which had previously landed at sea on April 8, 2016\u2014flew again on a Falcon 9 mission and was successfully recovered for a second time. This marked the first time in history that a previously flown orbital-class rocket had been used to successfully launch a satellite.<\/p>\n
SpaceX subsequently continued refining its recovery and reuse processes based on the Full Thrust design, eventually introducing the Block 5 configuration. Designed specifically for high-frequency reuse, Block 5 incorporates an upgraded thermal protection system, more durable Merlin 1D engines rated for up to 10 flights without major refurbishment, and titanium grid fins capable of surviving the extreme temperatures of atmospheric re-entry.<\/p>\n
The rocket can be prepared for another flight in as little as 24 hours, while some components require refurbishment only after every 10 launches. Falcon 9 Block 5 made its first flight on May 11, 2018.<\/p>\n
The Block 5 first stage is powered by nine Merlin 1D engines, generating a combined thrust of 8,127 kN. Its second stage uses a single Merlin Vacuum engine, producing 95.3 metric tons of vacuum thrust with a specific impulse of 348 seconds.<\/p>\n
The Merlin 1D operates on a gas-generator cycle and uses triethylaluminum-triethylborane, or TEA-TEB, as its ignition fluid. It is capable of multiple restarts and can fly again after relatively limited maintenance.<\/p>\n
Falcon 9 currently launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.<\/p>\n
2. Falcon Heavy<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Falcon](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Falcon-Heavy-2.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Falcon Heavy consists of three modified Falcon 9 first-stage cores and can deliver nearly 64 metric tons to low Earth orbit. Both its side boosters and center core are designed to be recoverable.<\/p>\n
The center core is broadly similar to a Falcon 9 first stage but features structural reinforcement to accommodate the two side boosters. Each side booster and the center core carries nine Merlin 1D engines, for a total of 27 engines. Falcon Heavy\u2019s second stage is identical to that used by Falcon 9.<\/p>\n
Falcon Heavy made its maiden flight on February 6, 2018. The launch succeeded and both side boosters were recovered, although the center-core landing attempt failed.<\/p>\n
On April 11, 2019, Falcon Heavy completed its second mission. Both side boosters and the center core landed successfully, but the center core later fell into the sea during transport back to port.<\/p>\n
The rocket flew for a third time on June 25, 2019. The mission and side-booster recoveries succeeded, but the center-core landing failed. During the same mission, SpaceX successfully caught a payload fairing with a recovery vessel for the first time.<\/p>\n
Falcon Heavy subsequently completed another nine launches\u2014on November 1, 2022; January 15, May 1, July 29, October 13 and December 29, 2023; June 25 and October 14, 2024; and April 29, 2026. All nine missions succeeded, although SpaceX made no further attempts to recover the center core.<\/p>\n
The side boosters were successfully recovered on seven of those missions. No side-booster recovery was attempted for the launches on May 1, 2023, or October 14, 2024.<\/p>\n
All 12 Falcon Heavy missions to date have launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.<\/p>\n
3. Starship<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Starship\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Starship-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Starship is a two-stage, fully reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by SpaceX. It made its first integrated flight on April 20, 2023, and is the tallest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever flown.<\/p>\n
As the world\u2019s first launch vehicle designed for full reusability to enter flight testing, Starship uses a rapid tower-catch recovery architecture intended to shorten turnaround times and increase launch frequency. Its launch cost per unit of payload could be substantially lower, making it particularly well suited to large-scale low Earth orbit satellite deployment and human spaceflight.<\/p>\n
The latest Starship V3 configuration stands 124.4 meters tall and measures approximately 9 meters in diameter. It consists of a Super Heavy first-stage booster and the Starship upper stage, both of which are primarily constructed from stainless steel.<\/p>\n
The V3 Super Heavy booster is 72.3 meters tall and powered by 33 sea-level Raptor 2 engines, producing 8,240 metric tons of liftoff thrust. It carries approximately 3,650 metric tons of propellant.<\/p>\n
Super Heavy is designed to return to the launch site. Four stainless-steel grid fins control its attitude and landing trajectory, while the launch tower\u2019s mechanical arms catch structural hardpoints below the grid fins. The same tower-based architecture is intended to support the recovery of both stages.<\/p>\n
On April 20, 2023, the B7\/S24 vehicle conducted Starship\u2019s first integrated flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The mission carried no payload. Three engines on B7 either failed to ignite or shut down during liftoff, contributing to a propellant leak and fire in the aft section.<\/p>\n
Although the vehicle passed through maximum aerodynamic pressure and reached supersonic speed, it did not attempt stage separation. After deviating from its planned trajectory, losing altitude and beginning to tumble, the autonomous flight safety system was activated. The vehicle broke apart 237.474 seconds after liftoff.<\/p>\n
The launch caused unexpectedly extensive damage to the launch pad and nearby infrastructure. Following the test, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration suspended SpaceX\u2019s Starship launch operations pending an investigation.<\/p>\n
On November 18, 2023, the B9\/S25 vehicle conducted the second integrated flight test from Starbase, again without a payload. Unlike the first flight, the second test used hot staging and introduced a water-cooled steel flame deflector and deluge system beneath the launch mount.<\/p>\n
All 33 engines on B9 operated steadily during liftoff, and the vehicle successfully completed hot staging two minutes and 51 seconds after launch. However, B9 exploded after an oxygen-line blockage during its flip maneuver and boostback burn caused a propellant leak. The booster was subsequently destroyed. S25 exploded more than eight minutes after launch after venting excessive liquid oxygen.<\/p>\n
On June 6, 2024, Starship B11\/S29 conducted the fourth flight test. B11 successfully completed its re-entry and landing burns before making an accurate splashdown in the designated ocean area. S29 suffered burn-through damage to a forward flap during re-entry but still completed its landing burn and splashed down in the designated area.<\/p>\n
The most recent launch took place on July 24, 2026, when B20\/S40 successfully deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites into their intended orbit\u2014the first Starship mission to launch Starlink V3 satellites.<\/p>\n
During B20\u2019s landing burn, only five of the 13 engines scheduled to restart ignited successfully. The booster therefore made a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico at a higher-than-planned velocity.<\/p>\n
Despite the continuing challenges surrounding Super Heavy recovery, the 13th flight test validated several critical capabilities of Starship V3, particularly commercial payload deployment and in-space engine restart. The mission represented another major step forward for the Starship program.<\/p>\n
4. New Glenn<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"New](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/New-Glenn.webp\")
<\/p>\n
New Glenn is an unboosted, two-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin. It stands 98 meters tall and can deliver 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit or 13.6 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit.<\/p>\n
Its first stage is reusable and designed to fly at least 25 times. The stage measures 7 meters in diameter and 57.5 meters in length, including the interstage, and is powered by seven BE-4 engines.<\/p>\n
The BE-4 is an oxygen-rich staged-combustion liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas engine developed by Blue Origin. Each engine produces 2,446 kN, or approximately 250 metric tons, of sea-level thrust, with a sea-level specific impulse of about 310 seconds. It can throttle down to 45 percent of full power.<\/p>\n
Together, the seven engines generate 17,126 kN of thrust, while three can gimbal to provide directional control.<\/p>\n
The first stage also carries four fully movable aerodynamic control surfaces and two strakes, which together can generate up to 80 metric tons of lift. This allows New Glenn to re-enter the atmosphere at a higher angle of attack, reducing thermal loads on the base of the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The second stage is also 7 meters in diameter and is powered by two BE-3U engines. Developed by Blue Origin, the BE-3U is an open-expander-cycle liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engine. Each produces 712 kN, or approximately 72 metric tons, of vacuum thrust and can throttle down to 88 percent.<\/p>\n
New Glenn uses a payload fairing measuring 7 meters in diameter and 21.9 meters in height, providing an internal volume of 458 cubic meters.<\/p>\n
As a commercial heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn can support a wide range of high-mass missions to different orbits. Its 7-meter fairing also allows it to accommodate geostationary satellites equipped with antennas up to 5 meters in diameter.<\/p>\n
The first New Glenn rocket, NG-1, launched from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on January 16, 2025. The primary mission succeeded, but the booster recovery attempt failed.<\/p>\n
On November 14, 2025, New Glenn NG-2 successfully launched from LC-36 and placed NASA\u2019s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on a heliocentric trajectory. Its first stage then completed a successful vertical landing on an offshore platform, making Blue Origin the second commercial rocket company after SpaceX to recover the first stage of an orbital-class launch vehicle.<\/p>\n
5. Long March 10B<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Long](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Long-March-10B.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Long March 10B is a 5-meter-class reusable liquid-propellant launch vehicle developed under the leadership of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. It is a technological derivative of the Long March 10 series developed for China\u2019s crewed lunar exploration program, although Long March 10B is positioned specifically for the commercial launch market.<\/p>\n
The project was approved in July 2025. Supported by the comprehensive research and development system and extensive technical experience of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Long March 10B inherits the high safety and reliability standards of China\u2019s human-rated launch vehicles while incorporating commercial development experience from rockets including Long March 8A.<\/p>\n
This approach is intended to improve cost efficiency without compromising reliability. Compared with launch vehicles developed by emerging commercial rocket companies, Long March 10B therefore begins with a relatively strong foundation in overall system reliability.<\/p>\n
Long March 10B measures 5 meters in diameter and 69.67 meters in height and uses a two-stage configuration. When recovering its first stage, it can deliver at least 16 metric tons to a 200-kilometer low Earth orbit and at least 11 metric tons to an orbit at an altitude of 900 kilometers and an inclination of 50 degrees.<\/p>\n
At 12:15 p.m. on July 10, 2026, the first Long March 10B rocket lifted off successfully from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site.<\/p>\n
Following stage separation, the first stage returned vertically and was successfully captured by a net system on an offshore recovery platform. The mission marked China\u2019s first successful controlled recovery of an orbital launch vehicle and the world\u2019s first rocket recovery using a sea-based net-capture system.<\/p>\n
Long March 10B consequently became China\u2019s first reusable launch vehicle to complete a successful recovery.<\/p>\n
6. Zhuque-3<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Zhuque-3\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Zhuque-3.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Zhuque-3 is a reusable liquid oxygen-methane rocket developed independently by LandSpace. It uses an unboosted, single-core, two-stage configuration, with both stages measuring 4.5 meters in diameter.<\/p>\n
The first stage is powered by nine LandSpace-developed TQ-12A engines, while the second stage uses a single LandSpace-developed vacuum-optimized TQ-15A engine.<\/p>\n
Zhuque-3 has a 5.2-meter-diameter payload fairing, an overall length of 66.1 meters, a liftoff mass of approximately 560 metric tons and a liftoff thrust of 7,542 kN. In a downrange recovery configuration, it can deliver at least 18 metric tons to low Earth orbit. The rocket is designed to fly at least 20 times.<\/p>\n
As of August 27, 2026, Zhuque-3 had completed two launches, both of which successfully accomplished their primary missions.<\/p>\n
The Zhuque-3 Y1 rocket launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 3, 2025. The vehicle completed its planned ascent profile, and the second stage successfully entered its designated orbit. The first stage attempted a recovery but failed to land successfully.<\/p>\n
At 7:35 a.m. on August 19, 2026, Zhuque-3 Y2 lifted off successfully from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone. Following stage separation, the first stage completed its programmed return sequence and made a successful soft landing at a recovery site in Minqin County, Gansu Province.<\/p>\n
The mission marked China\u2019s first successful land-based recovery of an orbital-class rocket\u2019s first stage. Zhuque-3 also became the first reusable rocket developed by a Chinese private launch company to complete a successful recovery.<\/p>\n
As reusable launch vehicles make access to orbit more frequent and cost-effective, turning that access into real operational value requires the right data, infrastructure and engineering expertise. Explore STARPATH GLOBAL\u2019s Satellite Imagery<\/a> and AIT Equipment<\/a>, or contact our FDE engineers<\/a> to discuss your satellite mission requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rocket recovery has evolved from an experimental concept into one of the defining capabilities of modern launch vehicles. By returning and potentially reusing major rocket stages, launch providers aim to reduce costs, shorten turnaround times and support a higher launch cadence. To date, six orbital-class launch vehicles worldwide\u2014Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship, New Glenn, Long […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":88733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[509,312,479,237,205,510,238,316,317,7297],"class_list":["post-88684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-blue-origin","tag-casc","tag-falcon-9","tag-landspace","tag-long-march","tag-new-glenn","tag-reusable-rockets","tag-spacex","tag-starship","tag-zhuque-3"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88684"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88696,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions\/88696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Starship is a two-stage, fully reusable heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by SpaceX. It made its first integrated flight on April 20, 2023, and is the tallest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever flown.<\/p>\n
As the world\u2019s first launch vehicle designed for full reusability to enter flight testing, Starship uses a rapid tower-catch recovery architecture intended to shorten turnaround times and increase launch frequency. Its launch cost per unit of payload could be substantially lower, making it particularly well suited to large-scale low Earth orbit satellite deployment and human spaceflight.<\/p>\n
The latest Starship V3 configuration stands 124.4 meters tall and measures approximately 9 meters in diameter. It consists of a Super Heavy first-stage booster and the Starship upper stage, both of which are primarily constructed from stainless steel.<\/p>\n
The V3 Super Heavy booster is 72.3 meters tall and powered by 33 sea-level Raptor 2 engines, producing 8,240 metric tons of liftoff thrust. It carries approximately 3,650 metric tons of propellant.<\/p>\n
Super Heavy is designed to return to the launch site. Four stainless-steel grid fins control its attitude and landing trajectory, while the launch tower\u2019s mechanical arms catch structural hardpoints below the grid fins. The same tower-based architecture is intended to support the recovery of both stages.<\/p>\n
On April 20, 2023, the B7\/S24 vehicle conducted Starship\u2019s first integrated flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The mission carried no payload. Three engines on B7 either failed to ignite or shut down during liftoff, contributing to a propellant leak and fire in the aft section.<\/p>\n
Although the vehicle passed through maximum aerodynamic pressure and reached supersonic speed, it did not attempt stage separation. After deviating from its planned trajectory, losing altitude and beginning to tumble, the autonomous flight safety system was activated. The vehicle broke apart 237.474 seconds after liftoff.<\/p>\n
The launch caused unexpectedly extensive damage to the launch pad and nearby infrastructure. Following the test, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration suspended SpaceX\u2019s Starship launch operations pending an investigation.<\/p>\n
On November 18, 2023, the B9\/S25 vehicle conducted the second integrated flight test from Starbase, again without a payload. Unlike the first flight, the second test used hot staging and introduced a water-cooled steel flame deflector and deluge system beneath the launch mount.<\/p>\n
All 33 engines on B9 operated steadily during liftoff, and the vehicle successfully completed hot staging two minutes and 51 seconds after launch. However, B9 exploded after an oxygen-line blockage during its flip maneuver and boostback burn caused a propellant leak. The booster was subsequently destroyed. S25 exploded more than eight minutes after launch after venting excessive liquid oxygen.<\/p>\n
On June 6, 2024, Starship B11\/S29 conducted the fourth flight test. B11 successfully completed its re-entry and landing burns before making an accurate splashdown in the designated ocean area. S29 suffered burn-through damage to a forward flap during re-entry but still completed its landing burn and splashed down in the designated area.<\/p>\n
The most recent launch took place on July 24, 2026, when B20\/S40 successfully deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites into their intended orbit\u2014the first Starship mission to launch Starlink V3 satellites.<\/p>\n
During B20\u2019s landing burn, only five of the 13 engines scheduled to restart ignited successfully. The booster therefore made a hard splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico at a higher-than-planned velocity.<\/p>\n
Despite the continuing challenges surrounding Super Heavy recovery, the 13th flight test validated several critical capabilities of Starship V3, particularly commercial payload deployment and in-space engine restart. The mission represented another major step forward for the Starship program.<\/p>\n
4. New Glenn<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
New Glenn is an unboosted, two-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin. It stands 98 meters tall and can deliver 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit or 13.6 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit.<\/p>\n
Its first stage is reusable and designed to fly at least 25 times. The stage measures 7 meters in diameter and 57.5 meters in length, including the interstage, and is powered by seven BE-4 engines.<\/p>\n
The BE-4 is an oxygen-rich staged-combustion liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas engine developed by Blue Origin. Each engine produces 2,446 kN, or approximately 250 metric tons, of sea-level thrust, with a sea-level specific impulse of about 310 seconds. It can throttle down to 45 percent of full power.<\/p>\n
Together, the seven engines generate 17,126 kN of thrust, while three can gimbal to provide directional control.<\/p>\n
The first stage also carries four fully movable aerodynamic control surfaces and two strakes, which together can generate up to 80 metric tons of lift. This allows New Glenn to re-enter the atmosphere at a higher angle of attack, reducing thermal loads on the base of the vehicle.<\/p>\n
The second stage is also 7 meters in diameter and is powered by two BE-3U engines. Developed by Blue Origin, the BE-3U is an open-expander-cycle liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engine. Each produces 712 kN, or approximately 72 metric tons, of vacuum thrust and can throttle down to 88 percent.<\/p>\n
New Glenn uses a payload fairing measuring 7 meters in diameter and 21.9 meters in height, providing an internal volume of 458 cubic meters.<\/p>\n
As a commercial heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn can support a wide range of high-mass missions to different orbits. Its 7-meter fairing also allows it to accommodate geostationary satellites equipped with antennas up to 5 meters in diameter.<\/p>\n
The first New Glenn rocket, NG-1, launched from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on January 16, 2025. The primary mission succeeded, but the booster recovery attempt failed.<\/p>\n
On November 14, 2025, New Glenn NG-2 successfully launched from LC-36 and placed NASA\u2019s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on a heliocentric trajectory. Its first stage then completed a successful vertical landing on an offshore platform, making Blue Origin the second commercial rocket company after SpaceX to recover the first stage of an orbital-class launch vehicle.<\/p>\n
5. Long March 10B<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Long March 10B is a 5-meter-class reusable liquid-propellant launch vehicle developed under the leadership of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. It is a technological derivative of the Long March 10 series developed for China\u2019s crewed lunar exploration program, although Long March 10B is positioned specifically for the commercial launch market.<\/p>\n
The project was approved in July 2025. Supported by the comprehensive research and development system and extensive technical experience of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Long March 10B inherits the high safety and reliability standards of China\u2019s human-rated launch vehicles while incorporating commercial development experience from rockets including Long March 8A.<\/p>\n
This approach is intended to improve cost efficiency without compromising reliability. Compared with launch vehicles developed by emerging commercial rocket companies, Long March 10B therefore begins with a relatively strong foundation in overall system reliability.<\/p>\n
Long March 10B measures 5 meters in diameter and 69.67 meters in height and uses a two-stage configuration. When recovering its first stage, it can deliver at least 16 metric tons to a 200-kilometer low Earth orbit and at least 11 metric tons to an orbit at an altitude of 900 kilometers and an inclination of 50 degrees.<\/p>\n
At 12:15 p.m. on July 10, 2026, the first Long March 10B rocket lifted off successfully from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site.<\/p>\n
Following stage separation, the first stage returned vertically and was successfully captured by a net system on an offshore recovery platform. The mission marked China\u2019s first successful controlled recovery of an orbital launch vehicle and the world\u2019s first rocket recovery using a sea-based net-capture system.<\/p>\n
Long March 10B consequently became China\u2019s first reusable launch vehicle to complete a successful recovery.<\/p>\n
6. Zhuque-3<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Zhuque-3 is a reusable liquid oxygen-methane rocket developed independently by LandSpace. It uses an unboosted, single-core, two-stage configuration, with both stages measuring 4.5 meters in diameter.<\/p>\n
The first stage is powered by nine LandSpace-developed TQ-12A engines, while the second stage uses a single LandSpace-developed vacuum-optimized TQ-15A engine.<\/p>\n
Zhuque-3 has a 5.2-meter-diameter payload fairing, an overall length of 66.1 meters, a liftoff mass of approximately 560 metric tons and a liftoff thrust of 7,542 kN. In a downrange recovery configuration, it can deliver at least 18 metric tons to low Earth orbit. The rocket is designed to fly at least 20 times.<\/p>\n
As of August 27, 2026, Zhuque-3 had completed two launches, both of which successfully accomplished their primary missions.<\/p>\n
The Zhuque-3 Y1 rocket launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 3, 2025. The vehicle completed its planned ascent profile, and the second stage successfully entered its designated orbit. The first stage attempted a recovery but failed to land successfully.<\/p>\n
At 7:35 a.m. on August 19, 2026, Zhuque-3 Y2 lifted off successfully from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone. Following stage separation, the first stage completed its programmed return sequence and made a successful soft landing at a recovery site in Minqin County, Gansu Province.<\/p>\n
The mission marked China\u2019s first successful land-based recovery of an orbital-class rocket\u2019s first stage. Zhuque-3 also became the first reusable rocket developed by a Chinese private launch company to complete a successful recovery.<\/p>\n
As reusable launch vehicles make access to orbit more frequent and cost-effective, turning that access into real operational value requires the right data, infrastructure and engineering expertise. Explore STARPATH GLOBAL\u2019s Satellite Imagery<\/a> and AIT Equipment<\/a>, or contact our FDE engineers<\/a> to discuss your satellite mission requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rocket recovery has evolved from an experimental concept into one of the defining capabilities of modern launch vehicles. By returning and potentially reusing major rocket stages, launch providers aim to reduce costs, shorten turnaround times and support a higher launch cadence. To date, six orbital-class launch vehicles worldwide\u2014Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship, New Glenn, Long […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":88733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[509,312,479,237,205,510,238,316,317,7297],"class_list":["post-88684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-blue-origin","tag-casc","tag-falcon-9","tag-landspace","tag-long-march","tag-new-glenn","tag-reusable-rockets","tag-spacex","tag-starship","tag-zhuque-3"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88684"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88696,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions\/88696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Long March 10B is a 5-meter-class reusable liquid-propellant launch vehicle developed under the leadership of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. It is a technological derivative of the Long March 10 series developed for China\u2019s crewed lunar exploration program, although Long March 10B is positioned specifically for the commercial launch market.<\/p>\n
The project was approved in July 2025. Supported by the comprehensive research and development system and extensive technical experience of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Long March 10B inherits the high safety and reliability standards of China\u2019s human-rated launch vehicles while incorporating commercial development experience from rockets including Long March 8A.<\/p>\n
This approach is intended to improve cost efficiency without compromising reliability. Compared with launch vehicles developed by emerging commercial rocket companies, Long March 10B therefore begins with a relatively strong foundation in overall system reliability.<\/p>\n
Long March 10B measures 5 meters in diameter and 69.67 meters in height and uses a two-stage configuration. When recovering its first stage, it can deliver at least 16 metric tons to a 200-kilometer low Earth orbit and at least 11 metric tons to an orbit at an altitude of 900 kilometers and an inclination of 50 degrees.<\/p>\n
At 12:15 p.m. on July 10, 2026, the first Long March 10B rocket lifted off successfully from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site.<\/p>\n
Following stage separation, the first stage returned vertically and was successfully captured by a net system on an offshore recovery platform. The mission marked China\u2019s first successful controlled recovery of an orbital launch vehicle and the world\u2019s first rocket recovery using a sea-based net-capture system.<\/p>\n
Long March 10B consequently became China\u2019s first reusable launch vehicle to complete a successful recovery.<\/p>\n
6. Zhuque-3<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Zhuque-3 is a reusable liquid oxygen-methane rocket developed independently by LandSpace. It uses an unboosted, single-core, two-stage configuration, with both stages measuring 4.5 meters in diameter.<\/p>\n
The first stage is powered by nine LandSpace-developed TQ-12A engines, while the second stage uses a single LandSpace-developed vacuum-optimized TQ-15A engine.<\/p>\n
Zhuque-3 has a 5.2-meter-diameter payload fairing, an overall length of 66.1 meters, a liftoff mass of approximately 560 metric tons and a liftoff thrust of 7,542 kN. In a downrange recovery configuration, it can deliver at least 18 metric tons to low Earth orbit. The rocket is designed to fly at least 20 times.<\/p>\n
As of August 27, 2026, Zhuque-3 had completed two launches, both of which successfully accomplished their primary missions.<\/p>\n
The Zhuque-3 Y1 rocket launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on December 3, 2025. The vehicle completed its planned ascent profile, and the second stage successfully entered its designated orbit. The first stage attempted a recovery but failed to land successfully.<\/p>\n
At 7:35 a.m. on August 19, 2026, Zhuque-3 Y2 lifted off successfully from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone. Following stage separation, the first stage completed its programmed return sequence and made a successful soft landing at a recovery site in Minqin County, Gansu Province.<\/p>\n
The mission marked China\u2019s first successful land-based recovery of an orbital-class rocket\u2019s first stage. Zhuque-3 also became the first reusable rocket developed by a Chinese private launch company to complete a successful recovery.<\/p>\n
As reusable launch vehicles make access to orbit more frequent and cost-effective, turning that access into real operational value requires the right data, infrastructure and engineering expertise. Explore STARPATH GLOBAL\u2019s Satellite Imagery<\/a> and AIT Equipment<\/a>, or contact our FDE engineers<\/a> to discuss your satellite mission requirements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rocket recovery has evolved from an experimental concept into one of the defining capabilities of modern launch vehicles. By returning and potentially reusing major rocket stages, launch providers aim to reduce costs, shorten turnaround times and support a higher launch cadence. To date, six orbital-class launch vehicles worldwide\u2014Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship, New Glenn, Long […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":88733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[509,312,479,237,205,510,238,316,317,7297],"class_list":["post-88684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-blue-origin","tag-casc","tag-falcon-9","tag-landspace","tag-long-march","tag-new-glenn","tag-reusable-rockets","tag-spacex","tag-starship","tag-zhuque-3"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88684"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88696,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions\/88696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/p>\nRocket recovery has evolved from an experimental concept into one of the defining capabilities of modern launch vehicles. By returning and potentially reusing major rocket stages, launch providers aim to reduce costs, shorten turnaround times and support a higher launch cadence. To date, six orbital-class launch vehicles worldwide\u2014Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship, New Glenn, Long […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":88733,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[509,312,479,237,205,510,238,316,317,7297],"class_list":["post-88684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-blue-origin","tag-casc","tag-falcon-9","tag-landspace","tag-long-march","tag-new-glenn","tag-reusable-rockets","tag-spacex","tag-starship","tag-zhuque-3"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88684"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88696,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88684\/revisions\/88696"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}