China Debuts Long March 12B Reusable Rocket in Surprise Launch

Surprise Debut of the Long March 12B

China has conducted the first flight of the Long March 12B, a new rocket designed for partial reusability. The launch took place on Monday, June 1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in the Gobi Desert.

The mission was characterized by a lack of advance notice; Chinese authorities did not issue the airspace closure notices typically employed as a safety practice by launch operators. Despite the surprise nature of the debut, the vehicle carried functional payloads rather than test weights. Specifically, the rocket delivered Qianfan satellites into orbit.

Design and Engineering Objectives

According to Ars Technica, there are sound engineering reasons for China to adopt the same architectural approach used by SpaceX with the Falcon 9.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) stated that the rocket was designed to reduce launch costs and support China's expanding constellation programs. The vehicle is also capable of adapting to multi-orbit missions, providing CASC with more options for batch satellite launches.

Technical Specifications and Infrastructure

The rocket utilizes YF-102 series engines, which are designed for commercial use. These engines have previously been deployed on other vehicles, including CAS Space’s Kinetica-2 and Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-2.

The launch was conducted from a facility that represents CASC's first self-built research, test, and launch site. This specific pad was constructed under the leadership of CASC’s China Commercial Launch Vehicle Company.

Broader Context of Chinese Space Efforts

Other reusable efforts are currently underway within China. The Hyperbola-3 rocket has already completed tests of its first-stage sea recovery landing system and is among several state-led and commercial rockets expected to debut or attempt first-stage recoveries in the coming months.

While China accelerates its launch capabilities, some reports highlight concerns regarding orbital debris. Ars Technica reports that China appears to be ignoring established norms for disposing of rocket upper stages, contributing to an uptick in space junk.