The Long March 10B carrier rocket was launched from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site on July 10th. Approximately six minutes after stage separation, the first stage performed a controlled vertical return and was successfully recovered on a maritime platform, marking China's first successful controlled recovery of a launch vehicle's first stage. This development triggered a significant rally in the commercial aerospace sector. By the market close, 347 stocks had advanced, 3 were flat, and 149 declined.
Among the top ten gainers for the day, Youji Co., Ltd., Hailanxin, and Aerospace Huanyu led the pack with gains of 29.99%, 20.01%, and 20.01%, respectively. Jiayuan Technology, Jinlihua Electric, and Tongyizhong each rose by 19.99%. Guolin Technology, Nanshan Zhishang, Xingchen Technology, and Tianli Composite saw increases of 19.98%, 19.52%, 19.44%, and 15.57% respectively.
The sector's strength also lifted related exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with the day's top ten performing ETFs all focused on satellite, general aviation, and aerospace themes. The top three gainers were GF Satellite ETF (up 8.29%), FG Satellite ETF (up 8.21%), and NF General Aviation ETF (up 8.13%). Their year-to-date performances are an increase of 0.35%, a decrease of 0.07%, and a decrease of 14.03%, respectively.
An analysis report from Changjiang Securities highlights that the Long March 10B's mission validated the world's first "maritime net-based recovery" technology. After the controlled re-entry of the first stage into a predetermined sea area, it was captured by a flexible arresting net on the sea platform. The dedicated recovery vessel, named "Pathfinder," used four net-hooking points on the rocket's body. Upon landing, the net captured and suspended the stage—a principle similar to aircraft carrier landings using arresting cables.
Compared to mainstream recovery methods, the net-based system absorbs most kinetic and potential energy through ground-based buffering mechanisms during capture. This significantly reduces design requirements for the rocket's onboard buffering structures. Furthermore, it enhances adaptability by allowing simple adjustments to the scale of ground equipment, addressing issues of landing point deviation and lowering demands on the rocket engine's thrust adjustment capabilities.
The report emphasizes that a previous suborbital flight test of the Long March 10 first stage had already successfully verified key technologies for the entire ascent and recovery phases, achieving the preset goal of controlled re-entry and non-destructive recovery. The maiden flight of the Long March 10B signifies that reusable rocket technology, led by state-owned entities, is now entering the implementation phase. This advancement is expected to propel China's space industry into an era characterized by lower costs, higher launch frequency, and "airline-style" operational regularity.