China Tests Long March-10 Rocket, Moves Closer to Moon Mission

China has made significant strides in its ambitious space program, successfully testing its new Long March-10 rocket and the Mengzhou spacecraft on February 11, 2026. This achievement positions China closer to its goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by the end of the decade as part of its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, which aims to rival NASA’s Artemis Program.

The comprehensive test took place at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern Hainan Province. It included a low-altitude demonstration of the Long March-10 and an in-flight abort test of the Mengzhou capsule, also known as the “Dream Vessel.” This was the first ignition flight of the Long March-10, which is designed for crewed lunar missions.

During the test, the rocket successfully navigated through its most challenging phase of ascent known as maximum dynamic pressure (Max Q). This critical moment occurs as the rocket accelerates through the lower atmosphere, where aerodynamic stress peaks. The in-flight abort test assessed the safety system of the Mengzhou spacecraft, which is designed to separate from the rocket in case of an emergency. Both the rocket’s first stage and the capsule performed as expected, safely landing in their designated recovery zones.

Ji Qiming, a spokesperson for the China Manned Spaceflight Agency (CMSA), described the Long March-10 as a next-generation partially reusable launch system. This rocket has two configurations: one with three stages and two strap-on boosters, and another, the 10A variant, featuring two stages without boosters. The Long March-10 is powered by seven liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene engines working in parallel.

The Mengzhou spacecraft is designed to carry between six and seven astronauts and is a reusable vehicle. After the capsule separated from the rocket, the Long March-10 continued ascending until it reached its predetermined height and speed, at which point its engines were shut down. The rocket then entered a glide phase, adjusting its orientation multiple times before deploying its four grid fins in preparation for landing.

At an altitude of approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles), the rocket reignited two of its engines for the powered deceleration phase. Following this, it relied solely on its grid fins during the aerodynamic deceleration phase. In the final landing phase, three engines were reignited, allowing the rocket to maneuver toward its designated landing site. Just above sea level, the rocket hovered while ground crews tested an onboard tether mechanism to simulate recovery using a net system. The rocket ultimately splashed down in the ocean, where recovery crews successfully retrieved it.

Zhu Pingping of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation stated that this successful test propels China closer to its goal of sending astronauts to the Moon by 2030. Additionally, China is planning to expand its Tiangong space station and conduct robotic missions to explore a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) and a Main Belt comet, as well as a Mars Sample Return mission.

With these developments, China is positioning itself as a leading player in the international space arena, aiming to establish a robust presence beyond Earth. The successful test of the Long March-10 rocket and the Mengzhou spacecraft marks a pivotal moment in China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities in space exploration.