Hainan, China — China’s first commercial space launch site, situated in the island province of Hainan, has officially been declared ready for rocket launches. The announcement was made by the construction site headquarters on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s rapidly advancing space industry.
Following extensive evaluations, the facility has met all necessary requirements to commence launch operations. The site is poised to play a pivotal role in China’s commercial space endeavors, providing a dedicated platform for private companies to send satellites and other payloads into orbit.
Construction of the Hainan commercial space launch site began in July 2022. In just over a year, key infrastructure projects have been successfully completed, including fueling and gas supply systems, substations, and launch pads. These developments underscore China’s commitment to accelerating its capabilities in the global space sector.
The establishment of this launch site represents a strategic move to bolster the commercial space industry within the Chinese mainland. It is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Chinese commercial space companies by offering more accessible launch services and fostering technological innovation.
The choice of Hainan as the location leverages the island’s geographical advantages, such as its proximity to the equator, which allows rockets to carry heavier payloads due to the Earth’s rotational velocity being greatest at the equator.
As the facility prepares for its inaugural launches, it signals a new era for China’s space ambitions, opening doors for increased collaboration, investment, and participation in the burgeoning global space economy.
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China's first commercial launch site now ready for rocket launches
cgtn.com
