Key facts
- China launched its Long March 12B rocket.
- The rocket is designed for reusability.
- This launch was a surprise debut.
- The Long March 12B is backed by China's state-owned aerospace enterprise.
China has launched its Long March 12B rocket, a new vehicle designed for reusability. This surprise debut comes as several companies and state-owned enterprises in China compete to develop the country's first reusable orbital-class rocket. The launch of the Long March 12B, backed by the resources of China's state-owned aerospace enterprise, suggests that legacy players may now have an advantage over privately funded launch companies in this race. This contrasts with the United States, where SpaceX demonstrated the first reusable orbital-class rocket landing in 2015, followed by Blue Origin's successful landing in November and relaunch in April.