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Browse the latest facts and intelligence extracted from space industry sources.

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Latest Information

Browse the latest facts and intelligence extracted from space industry sources.

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InformationArticlePublished

The CZ-10 test vehicle bears the national flag of China on its side.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The vehicle in the images is a CZ-10 test vehicle.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle is fitted with grid fins and hooks, hardware consistent with mid-air capture of a returning stage.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle displays the Long March emblem on its lower stage.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle includes a static fire stage at the bottom, an inter-stage, a gridfins-and-hooks stage, and a Mengzhou section on the upper stack.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 stage will undergo a reentry phase.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The launch trajectory from Wenchang will proceed southeast over the South China Sea.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

An image measurement of the launch-to-landing-zone distance is 364.706 kilometers.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The mission is a Mengzhou Max-Q abort test combined with a CZ-10 stage test flight.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The splashdown landing zone is approximately 365 kilometers from the Wenchang launch site.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

Marine navigation warnings indicate the vehicle will come down about half the usual Falcon 9 distance to an Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The NOTAMs indicated the hot-fire test could occur as early as within the next hour of the notices.

Whatever happens in the coming hours (NOTAMs indicate the test will be between 02:51-06:50 UTC, or as early as within the next hour) the future pad that may see Chinese astronauts heading to the Moon will get its first baptism of fire really soon:Feb 11, 2026

A Chinese launch pad that could support crewed lunar missions is scheduled to undergo its first hot-fire test soon.

Whatever happens in the coming hours (NOTAMs indicate the test will be between 02:51-06:50 UTC, or as early as within the next hour) the future pad that may see Chinese astronauts heading to the Moon will get its first baptism of fire really soon:Feb 11, 2026

NOTAMs indicated a hot-fire test window between 02:51 and 06:50 UTC.

Whatever happens in the coming hours (NOTAMs indicate the test will be between 02:51-06:50 UTC, or as early as within the next hour) the future pad that may see Chinese astronauts heading to the Moon will get its first baptism of fire really soon:Feb 11, 2026

The YF-100K is a staged combustion kerosene/LOX engine.

Another not yet answered question is how many YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines are there on this booster. The static fire used 3, real LM-10(A) will have 7, but neither seems the right number on this test. Maybe 5 for direction control on the way down?Feb 11, 2026

The LM-10(A) booster will have seven YF-100K engines.

Another not yet answered question is how many YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines are there on this booster. The static fire used 3, real LM-10(A) will have 7, but neither seems the right number on this test. Maybe 5 for direction control on the way down?Feb 11, 2026

The static fire used three YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines.

Another not yet answered question is how many YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines are there on this booster. The static fire used 3, real LM-10(A) will have 7, but neither seems the right number on this test. Maybe 5 for direction control on the way down?Feb 11, 2026

The image title text reads "Mengzhou Max-Q Abort Test Long March 10A".

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

Many people watched the Mengzhou Max-Q abort test on site.

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

The Mengzhou Max-Q abort test is associated with the Long March 10A and dated 11 February.

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

A YouTube livestream mirror link was shared for the Mengzhou Max-Q abort test.

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

Wenchang Aerospace City hosts commercial activities related to China's space sector.

OK LMAOOOOOOOO State television CCTV News' having a special program right now "bringing latest updates of the Chinese HSF Lunar Program & commercial activities at the Wenchang Aerospace City"- I wonder why it's today... 😉Feb 11, 2026

CCTV News is broadcasting a special program covering the Chinese human spaceflight lunar program and commercial activities at Wenchang Aerospace City.

OK LMAOOOOOOOO State television CCTV News' having a special program right now "bringing latest updates of the Chinese HSF Lunar Program & commercial activities at the Wenchang Aerospace City"- I wonder why it's today... 😉Feb 11, 2026

A Xinhua-affiliated team covering Chinese spaceflight is hosting a semi-official launch live stream at weibo.com/l/wblive/p/show/10….

Or if you just want to watch the launch, we also have a semi-official (Xinhua-affiliated team covering Chinese spaceflight) stream atFeb 11, 2026

Chang'e 6 is a lunar far side sample return mission.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

Construction updates for Launch Complex 3 and Launch Complex 4 of the commercial pads at Wenchang were shown.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

SpaceLens provided a separate live stream at live.bilibili.com/23118988 on Feb 11, 2026.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

CCTV broadcast an on-site exhibition about the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

Liquid oxygen (LOX) had not been loaded onto the launch vehicle by 03:00 UTC.

I was expecting the launch to be at the top of the hour at 03:00 UTC, but it seems the vehicle isn't fueled yet. Still it's a small vehicle so maybe LOX loading can be done very quickly...Feb 11, 2026

The launch vehicle had not been fueled by 03:00 UTC.

I was expecting the launch to be at the top of the hour at 03:00 UTC, but it seems the vehicle isn't fueled yet. Still it's a small vehicle so maybe LOX loading can be done very quickly...Feb 11, 2026

A launch was expected at 03:00 UTC.

I was expecting the launch to be at the top of the hour at 03:00 UTC, but it seems the vehicle isn't fueled yet. Still it's a small vehicle so maybe LOX loading can be done very quickly...Feb 11, 2026

The launch countdown for Mengzhou reached its final minutes.

Well it seems countdown is within the final minutes as the arm attached to Mengzhou has been swung back:Feb 11, 2026

The arm attached to the Mengzhou spacecraft was swung back.

Well it seems countdown is within the final minutes as the arm attached to Mengzhou has been swung back:Feb 11, 2026

A parachute successfully opened during Mengzhou's recovery.

Mengzhou coming back soon...Feb 11, 2026

Mengzhou will return soon.

Mengzhou coming back soon...Feb 11, 2026

The Chinese mission completed its entry and landing burn profile during reentry.

So it seems booster catch isn't planned at all this time (see a few tweets above) - but the Chinese did get the entry and landing burns profile done apparently:Feb 11, 2026

The Chinese mission achieved a successful splashdown on February 11, 2026.

So it seems booster catch isn't planned at all this time (see a few tweets above) - but the Chinese did get the entry and landing burns profile done apparently:Feb 11, 2026

A booster catch was not planned for this flight.

So it seems booster catch isn't planned at all this time (see a few tweets above) - but the Chinese did get the entry and landing burns profile done apparently:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test stage visible in the images shows a full set of seven engines at its base.

Hmm, I am actually not *that* surprised if that interstage fell off, since I am sure the installation on top of the static test fire article isn't the most secure one. What is surprising is that it seems the full set of 7 engines is there...Feb 11, 2026

The interstage appears to have separated from the CZ-10 test stage in the images.

Hmm, I am actually not *that* surprised if that interstage fell off, since I am sure the installation on top of the static test fire article isn't the most secure one. What is surprising is that it seems the full set of 7 engines is there...Feb 11, 2026

Images shared on social media show a test stage of the Long March 10 (CZ-10) floating at sea.

Hmm, I am actually not *that* surprised if that interstage fell off, since I am sure the installation on top of the static test fire article isn't the most secure one. What is surprising is that it seems the full set of 7 engines is there...Feb 11, 2026

The booster experienced a splashdown in the ocean.

Looks like the booster did cross the Karman Line at highest altitude BTW (not surprising given the launch profile):Feb 11, 2026

The booster crossed the Kármán Line at its highest altitude during the flight.

Looks like the booster did cross the Karman Line at highest altitude BTW (not surprising given the launch profile):Feb 11, 2026

The Mengzhou capsule descended under multiple striped parachutes during its return.

And here's the Mengzhou capsule while coming back on parachute:Feb 11, 2026

The Mengzhou capsule was returning to Earth under parachute.

And here's the Mengzhou capsule while coming back on parachute:Feb 11, 2026

A recovery ship was nearby and conducted the recovery action for the booster.

And the team actually decided to splash the booster down right next door - which makes me wonder if they will do additional tests with a hopper to try catching it, or if such a test will be done on actual orbit-bound launches:Feb 11, 2026

A booster splashed down near a recovery ship.

And the team actually decided to splash the booster down right next door - which makes me wonder if they will do additional tests with a hopper to try catching it, or if such a test will be done on actual orbit-bound launches:Feb 11, 2026

An ascent test involved shutting down engines, reducing the number of active engines from seven to three.

BTW there are conjectures out there that - as the YF-100K & derivatives are designed to be only re-ignitable once - the entry burn may have been done by 4 outer-ring engines and the landing burn by the center engine. All unconfirmed of course.Feb 11, 2026

Observers have conjectured that the entry burn used four outer-ring engines and the landing burn used the center engine.

BTW there are conjectures out there that - as the YF-100K & derivatives are designed to be only re-ignitable once - the entry burn may have been done by 4 outer-ring engines and the landing burn by the center engine. All unconfirmed of course.Feb 11, 2026

The YF-100K engine and its derivatives are designed to be re-ignitable only once.

BTW there are conjectures out there that - as the YF-100K & derivatives are designed to be only re-ignitable once - the entry burn may have been done by 4 outer-ring engines and the landing burn by the center engine. All unconfirmed of course.Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle bears the national flag of China on its side.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The vehicle in the images is a CZ-10 test vehicle.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:
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Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle is fitted with grid fins and hooks, hardware consistent with mid-air capture of a returning stage.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle displays the Long March emblem on its lower stage.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test vehicle includes a static fire stage at the bottom, an inter-stage, a gridfins-and-hooks stage, and a Mengzhou section on the upper stack.

The inclusion of grid fins and (especially) hooks seems to indicate a genuine catch attempt of this vehicle (which may go pass the Karman Line), which would be interesting to see the very least:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 stage will undergo a reentry phase.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The launch trajectory from Wenchang will proceed southeast over the South China Sea.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

An image measurement of the launch-to-landing-zone distance is 364.706 kilometers.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The mission is a Mengzhou Max-Q abort test combined with a CZ-10 stage test flight.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The splashdown landing zone is approximately 365 kilometers from the Wenchang launch site.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

Marine navigation warnings indicate the vehicle will come down about half the usual Falcon 9 distance to an Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship.

This launch will go SE from Wenchang over the South China Sea, with marine navigation warnings indicating the vehicle coming down way downrange (about half of usual Falcon 9 to ASDS distance):Feb 11, 2026

The NOTAMs indicated the hot-fire test could occur as early as within the next hour of the notices.

Whatever happens in the coming hours (NOTAMs indicate the test will be between 02:51-06:50 UTC, or as early as within the next hour) the future pad that may see Chinese astronauts heading to the Moon will get its first baptism of fire really soon:Feb 11, 2026

A Chinese launch pad that could support crewed lunar missions is scheduled to undergo its first hot-fire test soon.

Whatever happens in the coming hours (NOTAMs indicate the test will be between 02:51-06:50 UTC, or as early as within the next hour) the future pad that may see Chinese astronauts heading to the Moon will get its first baptism of fire really soon:Feb 11, 2026

NOTAMs indicated a hot-fire test window between 02:51 and 06:50 UTC.

Whatever happens in the coming hours (NOTAMs indicate the test will be between 02:51-06:50 UTC, or as early as within the next hour) the future pad that may see Chinese astronauts heading to the Moon will get its first baptism of fire really soon:Feb 11, 2026

The YF-100K is a staged combustion kerosene/LOX engine.

Another not yet answered question is how many YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines are there on this booster. The static fire used 3, real LM-10(A) will have 7, but neither seems the right number on this test. Maybe 5 for direction control on the way down?Feb 11, 2026

The LM-10(A) booster will have seven YF-100K engines.

Another not yet answered question is how many YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines are there on this booster. The static fire used 3, real LM-10(A) will have 7, but neither seems the right number on this test. Maybe 5 for direction control on the way down?Feb 11, 2026

The static fire used three YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines.

Another not yet answered question is how many YF-100K staged combustion kerosene/LOX engines are there on this booster. The static fire used 3, real LM-10(A) will have 7, but neither seems the right number on this test. Maybe 5 for direction control on the way down?Feb 11, 2026

The image title text reads "Mengzhou Max-Q Abort Test Long March 10A".

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

Many people watched the Mengzhou Max-Q abort test on site.

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

The Mengzhou Max-Q abort test is associated with the Long March 10A and dated 11 February.

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

A YouTube livestream mirror link was shared for the Mengzhou Max-Q abort test.

Another Q: why the Chinese are confident their booster won't be destroyed during Max-Q abort before hop - maybe from the @blueorigin New Shepard (RIP) IFA? Many people are watching this test on site - one livestream mirror from @IntRocketLaunch's here:Feb 11, 2026

Wenchang Aerospace City hosts commercial activities related to China's space sector.

OK LMAOOOOOOOO State television CCTV News' having a special program right now "bringing latest updates of the Chinese HSF Lunar Program & commercial activities at the Wenchang Aerospace City"- I wonder why it's today... 😉Feb 11, 2026

CCTV News is broadcasting a special program covering the Chinese human spaceflight lunar program and commercial activities at Wenchang Aerospace City.

OK LMAOOOOOOOO State television CCTV News' having a special program right now "bringing latest updates of the Chinese HSF Lunar Program & commercial activities at the Wenchang Aerospace City"- I wonder why it's today... 😉Feb 11, 2026

A Xinhua-affiliated team covering Chinese spaceflight is hosting a semi-official launch live stream at weibo.com/l/wblive/p/show/10….

Or if you just want to watch the launch, we also have a semi-official (Xinhua-affiliated team covering Chinese spaceflight) stream atFeb 11, 2026

Chang'e 6 is a lunar far side sample return mission.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

Construction updates for Launch Complex 3 and Launch Complex 4 of the commercial pads at Wenchang were shown.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

SpaceLens provided a separate live stream at live.bilibili.com/23118988 on Feb 11, 2026.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

CCTV broadcast an on-site exhibition about the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission.

The CCTV stream has now covered an on-site exhibition on the Chang'e 6 lunar far side sample return mission, then latest updates on the construction of LC-3 & 4 of the "commercial pads" at Wenchang. SpaceLens has also arrived w/ their own stream:Feb 11, 2026

Liquid oxygen (LOX) had not been loaded onto the launch vehicle by 03:00 UTC.

I was expecting the launch to be at the top of the hour at 03:00 UTC, but it seems the vehicle isn't fueled yet. Still it's a small vehicle so maybe LOX loading can be done very quickly...Feb 11, 2026

The launch vehicle had not been fueled by 03:00 UTC.

I was expecting the launch to be at the top of the hour at 03:00 UTC, but it seems the vehicle isn't fueled yet. Still it's a small vehicle so maybe LOX loading can be done very quickly...Feb 11, 2026

A launch was expected at 03:00 UTC.

I was expecting the launch to be at the top of the hour at 03:00 UTC, but it seems the vehicle isn't fueled yet. Still it's a small vehicle so maybe LOX loading can be done very quickly...Feb 11, 2026

The launch countdown for Mengzhou reached its final minutes.

Well it seems countdown is within the final minutes as the arm attached to Mengzhou has been swung back:Feb 11, 2026

The arm attached to the Mengzhou spacecraft was swung back.

Well it seems countdown is within the final minutes as the arm attached to Mengzhou has been swung back:Feb 11, 2026

A parachute successfully opened during Mengzhou's recovery.

Mengzhou coming back soon...Feb 11, 2026

Mengzhou will return soon.

Mengzhou coming back soon...Feb 11, 2026

The Chinese mission completed its entry and landing burn profile during reentry.

So it seems booster catch isn't planned at all this time (see a few tweets above) - but the Chinese did get the entry and landing burns profile done apparently:Feb 11, 2026

The Chinese mission achieved a successful splashdown on February 11, 2026.

So it seems booster catch isn't planned at all this time (see a few tweets above) - but the Chinese did get the entry and landing burns profile done apparently:Feb 11, 2026

A booster catch was not planned for this flight.

So it seems booster catch isn't planned at all this time (see a few tweets above) - but the Chinese did get the entry and landing burns profile done apparently:Feb 11, 2026

The CZ-10 test stage visible in the images shows a full set of seven engines at its base.

Hmm, I am actually not *that* surprised if that interstage fell off, since I am sure the installation on top of the static test fire article isn't the most secure one. What is surprising is that it seems the full set of 7 engines is there...Feb 11, 2026

The interstage appears to have separated from the CZ-10 test stage in the images.

Hmm, I am actually not *that* surprised if that interstage fell off, since I am sure the installation on top of the static test fire article isn't the most secure one. What is surprising is that it seems the full set of 7 engines is there...Feb 11, 2026

Images shared on social media show a test stage of the Long March 10 (CZ-10) floating at sea.

Hmm, I am actually not *that* surprised if that interstage fell off, since I am sure the installation on top of the static test fire article isn't the most secure one. What is surprising is that it seems the full set of 7 engines is there...Feb 11, 2026

The booster experienced a splashdown in the ocean.

Looks like the booster did cross the Karman Line at highest altitude BTW (not surprising given the launch profile):Feb 11, 2026

The booster crossed the Kármán Line at its highest altitude during the flight.

Looks like the booster did cross the Karman Line at highest altitude BTW (not surprising given the launch profile):Feb 11, 2026

The Mengzhou capsule descended under multiple striped parachutes during its return.

And here's the Mengzhou capsule while coming back on parachute:Feb 11, 2026

The Mengzhou capsule was returning to Earth under parachute.

And here's the Mengzhou capsule while coming back on parachute:Feb 11, 2026

A recovery ship was nearby and conducted the recovery action for the booster.

And the team actually decided to splash the booster down right next door - which makes me wonder if they will do additional tests with a hopper to try catching it, or if such a test will be done on actual orbit-bound launches:Feb 11, 2026

A booster splashed down near a recovery ship.

And the team actually decided to splash the booster down right next door - which makes me wonder if they will do additional tests with a hopper to try catching it, or if such a test will be done on actual orbit-bound launches:Feb 11, 2026

An ascent test involved shutting down engines, reducing the number of active engines from seven to three.

BTW there are conjectures out there that - as the YF-100K & derivatives are designed to be only re-ignitable once - the entry burn may have been done by 4 outer-ring engines and the landing burn by the center engine. All unconfirmed of course.Feb 11, 2026

Observers have conjectured that the entry burn used four outer-ring engines and the landing burn used the center engine.

BTW there are conjectures out there that - as the YF-100K & derivatives are designed to be only re-ignitable once - the entry burn may have been done by 4 outer-ring engines and the landing burn by the center engine. All unconfirmed of course.Feb 11, 2026

The YF-100K engine and its derivatives are designed to be re-ignitable only once.

BTW there are conjectures out there that - as the YF-100K & derivatives are designed to be only re-ignitable once - the entry burn may have been done by 4 outer-ring engines and the landing burn by the center engine. All unconfirmed of course.Feb 11, 2026