Students from Hong Kong and Macau had the opportunity to witness a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts firsthand in Hainan.
“This represents a major breakthrough for China in reusable rocket technology, and I feel privileged to have witnessed this historic moment in person,” said Ma Rong, a student from Macau University of Science and Technology, who observed the rocket launch up close in Wenchang, Hainan on July 10th.
At 12:15 p.m. on July 10th, the Long March 10B carrier rocket lifted off from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site. The rocket successfully delivered its satellite payload into the intended orbit. Approximately six minutes after the separation of the first and second stages, the first stage executed a controlled vertical return and was successfully recovered on an offshore platform.
This event marked China's first successful controlled recovery of a launch vehicle's first stage and, notably, the world's first-ever net-based recovery of a carrier rocket.
Fifty students from Hong Kong and Macau participating in the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port "Riding the Wave" summer internship program were present to witness the rocket's ascent.
“This was my first time attending a launch in person. The tremendous roar and the sight of the rising flames are impossible to fully appreciate through a screen,” said Lin Mingzhou, a student from the City University of Macau. He added that the complete success of this inaugural launch and recovery mission “is not only a reflection of the nation's technological advancement but also a symbol of its growing strength.”
In recent years, the Wenchang International Aerospace City has been rapidly developing its industrial layout across the rocket, satellite, and data chains. It continues to attract commercial aerospace companies, innovation platforms, and high-end talent, fostering a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that integrates rocket launches, satellite manufacturing, data applications, and aerospace-themed tourism.
From Lin Mingzhou's perspective, collaboration in aerospace science and innovation between Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macau holds strong complementary potential. Wenchang possesses core advantages such as the commercial launch site, industrial infrastructure, and the institutional innovations of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Macau offer international exchange platforms, mature innovation systems, cross-border financial services, and global communication channels. The three regions have vast potential for synergy in areas like aerospace technology commercialization, international academic exchange, and global aerospace industry cooperation.
“Wenchang International Aerospace City has attracted a large number of upstream and downstream enterprises in rockets, satellites, and data, creating a vibrant industrial atmosphere. If given the opportunity, I would like to stay and contribute my professional expertise,” said Ma Rong. She noted that her visit to Wenchang gave her a tangible sense of the scientific and innovative momentum within the Hainan Free Trade Port, and she looks forward to the possibility of applying her knowledge in Hainan in the future.
Comments