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China takes a page from SpaceX and recaptures the first stage of a rocket to reuse it
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
China successfully recaptured the first stage of a rocket after a launch on Friday in a breakthrough for the country's space program, state media said.The first stage of a Long March-10B rocket separated from the second stage after liftoff and returned to a platform in the sea, the official Xinhu...
Key takeaway The first stage of a Long March-10B rocket separated from the second stage after liftoff and returned to a platform in the sea, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own connection to the space industry makes China's breakthrough in reusing rocket boosters noteworthy for local residents. With the city being home to a significant number of aerospace companies and research institutions, advancements in space technology can have a direct impact on the local economy. The fact that China has successfully recaptured the first stage of a rocket, a feat achieved by SpaceX several years ago, may lead to increased competition in the global space market. This could potentially drive down launch costs and create new opportunities for San Antonio-based companies involved in space research and development. As the space industry continues to evolve, San Antonio's role in it will be worth watching, particularly in terms of how local businesses and institutions respond to emerging technologies and innovations like reusable rocket boosters.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? China successfully recaptured the first stage of a rocket after a launch on Friday in a breakthrough for the country's space program, state media said.The first stage of a Long March-10B rocket separated from the second stage after liftoff and returned to a platform in the sea, the official Xinhu...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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