China has officially completed the construction of its first universal launch site for liquid fuel rockets in Wenchang City, located in the southern province of Hainan. The new launchpad, known as the No. 2 launchpad of the Hainan Commercial Spacecraft Launch Site, marks a significant milestone in China’s rapidly advancing space program.
Equipped with an innovative rapid launch mode, the launchpad is designed to significantly improve launch efficiency and shorten preparation time. It can accommodate the launch needs of more than ten rocket models, including the Long March series, Kuaizhou, and Jielong rockets from various developers. This versatility positions the launch site as a hub for both national and commercial space endeavors.
Construction of the No. 2 launchpad began on October 30, 2022, and its completion represents a technological leap for China’s launch capabilities. The center is now expected to enter a full-system joint training phase in preparation for its first rocket launch mission.
“We will probably train with a real Long March-12 rocket on the No. 2 launchpad,” said Yang Tianliang, president of Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. “We want to make sure that all potential problems are solved before the commercial launches.”
The development of this universal launchpad not only enhances China’s position in the global aerospace industry but also opens up new opportunities for commercial space ventures. As the aerospace sector continues to expand, the Hainan launch site is poised to become a pivotal location for future space missions.
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China's 1st universal launchpad for liquid fuel rockets completed
cgtn.com
