Posted: Sun, Aug 17, 2025, 11:33 AM ET (1533 GMT)
China has performed the first static-fire test of the Long March 10 rocket. A shortened first stage test article with seven YF-100K ignited at 3 am EDT (0700 GMT) Friday from a pad at the Wenchang spaceport. The test lasted about 30 seconds. The China Manned Space Engineering Office suggested additional tests may follow. The successful test is a key step in the development of the Long March 10, a three-core, three-stage launcher designed for China’s crewed lunar landing program. A single-core version, Long March 10A, could start launching as soon as next year.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  Xinhua article