China's Long March legacy endures from trek to tech

The Long March 5, designed to carry lunar and Mars probes, suffered a rare setback when its second flight failed in 2017. The failure marked the darkest chapter in this rocket's development. The research team carried out painstaking reviews and repeated trials to resolve the technical problem. On Dec 27, 2019, the rocket completed a successful third flight and subsequently launched several spacecraft, including the Chang'e 6 probe for a far-side lunar sample-return mission.

And the journey continues. In July 2026, the Long March 10B completed China's first controlled recovery of a rocket's first stage, marking a step forward in reusable launch technology. Meanwhile, development of rockets with greater capability is being accelerated.

China aims to land astronauts on the moon before 2030 and launch a Mars sample-return mission around 2028. Additionally, it is pursuing the broader goal of becoming an innovative nation and a world-class science and technology power.

For generations of Chinese researchers, the Long March is a journey that never ends. From rugged trails to the frontiers of technology, its legacy is continuing to inspire further exploration and innovation.