Details of Long March 10 rocket body descent revealed: the first stage of the rocket accurately splashed down in the designated sea area

Yesterday, China successfully conducted low-altitude demonstration verification of the Long March 10 launch vehicle system and the maximum dynamic pressure escape flight test of the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft system at the Wenchang Space Launch Site. This marks an important milestone in the development of China’s lunar exploration program. The successful test verified rocket recovery technology. CCTV reporters inside the command cabin recorded the entire process from preparation to success.

On the morning of February 11, at the Wenchang Space Launch Site, the Long March 10 test vehicle stood upright in the launch area. Inside the temporary command cabin, the development team was making final preparations. The test involved two key actions: sending the Mengzhou spacecraft into the maximum dynamic pressure zone for escape, and verifying the recovery capability of the rocket’s first stage.

The rocket ignited and launched. Everyone hurriedly looked through the window at the launch, then quickly gathered in front of the screen to monitor the rocket’s flight status.

About 65 seconds later, the spacecraft successfully escaped, and applause erupted. But the team didn’t have time to relax, as the rocket was about to turn back for recovery, entering the most critical phase of the test.

After approximately 470 seconds of flight, the first stage of the rocket accurately splashed down in the designated sea area. The cabin was immediately filled with applause and cheers.

Reporter: Did the rocket succeed?

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Yueyi: I am waiting for further data. From the messages received from the landing area, we achieved our planned goal, and the rocket performed very well!

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Yueyi: We achieved the expected goal, which also means that our country has made a major breakthrough in key technologies for reusable launch vehicles. On the path of reusable recovery, we face many challenges and difficulties. We will continue to work hard to meet these challenges.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Nie Ying: I feel very proud and accomplished!

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Yang Shutao: I am very, very happy that we achieved such a good result today!

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Cheng Dalin: I have always looked forward to this success, but when it finally happened, I was a bit at a loss. We really did it!

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Hu Haifeng: We completed what is probably the hottest and most difficult task internationally in the shortest time, and the result was excellent!

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Cui Yingwu: Proud and honored to serve our motherland!

(Source: CCTV News)