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China continues to make significant advances in the field of reusable rockets, a sector where competition is fierce. Although the challenges are numerous, the year 2026 looks promising for the Middle Kingdom, which aims to catch up with the United States in terms of technology.
The 3 key facts not to miss
On December 23, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) launched a Long March 12A rocket for the first time from the Jiuquan spaceport. The launcher, measuring 70 meters high, was tasked with reaching orbit and attempting a controlled return to Earth with its first stage. Although the orbit insertion was successful, the recovery of the booster did not achieve its initial goal.
The booster landed about two kilometers from the planned area, failing to stabilize on the landing platform. However, this event represents a notable advance in mastering the technologies required for reusable rockets.
SpaceX set a precedent in 2015 with its Falcon 9, significantly reducing the costs of space launches and increasing their frequency. China, aware of the competitive advantage this represents, is striving to close this gap.
Martin Sippel, from the German Aerospace Center, highlights the importance of the progress made by China, noting that the rocket stage was able to return intact at low supersonic speeds, a sign of tangible progress.
In 2025, China conducted 88 orbital launches, an impressive figure that demonstrates the current momentum of its space program. The absence of reusable rockets has not slowed this pace, but the adoption of this technology could transform the Chinese space landscape.
Alongside CASC, several Chinese companies are working on their own models of reusable rockets, some even aspiring to create their version of SpaceX’s Starship.
The Chinese space program began in the 1950s with the support of the Soviet Union. Since then, China has developed its capabilities independently, launching its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong 1, in 1970. The Chinese Space Agency has since accomplished several notable missions, including the Shenzhou program, which sent Chinese astronauts into space, and the Chang’e mission, aimed at exploring the Moon.
With the arrival of reusable rockets, China hopes to reduce the costs of its space missions and increase their frequency, thus joining the global leaders in the sector.