Chinese Commercial Space Launch Marks Key Milestone as Rocket Achieves First Sea-Based Net Recovery

China’s commercial space sector reached a historic turning point on July 10 when the Long March 10B rocket lifted off from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, successfully deploying a satellite and completing the nation’s first controlled recovery of a first-stage booster at sea. According to 36氪, the booster separated from the second stage about six minutes after launch, then executed a vertical return and was captured by a net system aboard the recovery platform 'Leader' in a world-first maritime net-based recovery. The breakthrough sent shares of commercial aerospace companies surging that afternoon on the A-share market.

"Reusable technology is expected to reduce unit launch costs by more than 40%, substantially alleviating the launch bottleneck for satellite internet constellations."

Multiple fund managers cited by 36氪 described the achievement as marking a critical inflection point as the industry transitions from technical validation toward large-scale commercial deployment. The successful sea recovery is seen as a major step in lowering the cost barrier for frequent launches, a prerequisite for building out satellite internet networks.

In a separate but related development for China’s space ambitions, the Long March 5 Y14 rocket has been delivered to the Wenchang Space Launch Site and will be used for the Chang’e 7 lunar mission, according to a notice from Chinese officials reported by mp.weixin.qq.com. The delivery continues the country’s push toward deep-space exploration alongside its growing commercial launch capabilities.

mp.weixin.qq.com长征五号遥十四火箭运抵文昌航天发射场 将执行嫦娥七号任务

Elsewhere, the intersection of technology and entertainment drew attention as PANews reported that Huobi founder Li Lin’s Future Capital Investment Management is one of the main producers of the new Stephen Chow film 'Kung Fu Women’s Football.' The film’s total production cost is approximately 380 million yuan, with visual effects accounting for nearly half at 190 million yuan and actor compensation totaling just 57 million yuan, or 15% of the budget. Set construction, training, music, and post-production make up the remainder, while publicity expenses are reportedly near zero.

PANews火币创始人李林旗下未来资本为周星驰新片《功夫女足》出品方之一