China’s Long March-8 Rocket Completes Successful Rehearsal at New Commercial Launch Site
China’s Long March-8 rocket successfully completed a full rehearsal at the country’s first commercial space launch site in Wenchang, Hainan Province. This milestone prepares for its scheduled launch later this year, showcasing China’s commitment to advancing its commercial space capabilities and innovation in aerospace technology.
China’s Reusable Rocket Plans for Space Missions
China’s space contractor, CASC, is set to launch its first two reusable rockets in 2025 and 2026, part of the country’s broader lunar and human spaceflight plans. Unlike SpaceX’s Falcon 9, China’s approach involves catching the rocket using wires, rather than using landing legs. Other commercial firms in China are also working on reusable rockets, including Landspace, CAS Space, Galactic Energy, and iSpace.