CASC is a state-owned mega-contractor for China’s space program, building rockets, satellites, and ground systems. Latest: a Long March 7A mission failed after an in-flight anomaly; analysts note leadership purges hint at tightening controls at the top.
JAXA has flown the RV-X, lifting it 11 metres and landing it upright 16 metres away at Noshiro, marking Japan’s first successful launch and landing of a rocket. China’s Long March-10B has achieved a sea-based net catch on its maiden flight, signaling a major step toward reusable launch technology. The stories show growing momentum in global efforts to reduce space-launch costs and expand access to space.
China’s anti-corruption drive has purged senior officials, including a Politburo member, highlighting efforts to enforce loyalty and clamp down on corruption within the CCP. The latest expulsions follow investigations announced earlier in the year; authorities describe the actions as part of maintaining discipline in a top-down system.
China has announced a failure in a Long March 7A launch carrying a ChinaSat 4B satellite. The blast occurred minutes into the flight after an in-flight anomaly, marking the first failure of this rocket family since 2020. Analysts are assessing the cause and potential implications for China’s space program.