Hainan commercial launch pad plans 20 missions next year

The Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang city is targeting the capability to conduct 20 launch missions in 2025, paving the way for a busy schedule with launches planned every month, said Liu Hongjian, general manager of the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co, during a news conference following a successful maiden mission on Saturday night.

China's latest carrier rocket, the Long March 12, took off at 10:25 pm on Saturday from the newly constructed second launch pad at the center. This milestone launch signifies the inaugural mission at China's first spaceport dedicated to supporting commercial space endeavors.

Liu said that the inaugural launch from the first launch pad is on track to be completed by the year end.

Commencing in July 2022 and concluding within 878 days, construction on the center has culminating in China's pioneering launch facility customized for commercial missions. This marks a significant innovation by government-funded programs, as the center is primarily designed to cater to missions financed by business entities.

Located near the equator with a lower latitude, the Hainan commercial space launch site boasts a broader launch range, enhancing the efficiency of rockets launched from this site.

The center features two launch pads. The first pad is dedicated to China's medium-lift Long March 8 rockets, while the second pad serves as China's premier universal medium-sized liquid pad. The second pad is designed to accommodate the launch needs of more than 19 rocket models within the 3.35 to 5-meter diameter range, inclusive of those from private aerospace enterprises. Liu noted that this setup better positions the facility to address the varied requirements of commercial space missions.

The transporter erector can facilitate launches within as few as 3 days and restore operational readiness within 7 days post-launch, showcasing a swift turnaround capability at the center, he said.

Both of the center's launch pads are designed to accommodate 16 launches annually, he added.

"We are committed to creating a commercial space launch system that is not only accessible but also user-friendly and affordable," said Liu Chong, mayor of Wenchang and director of the Wenchang International Aerospace City Administration.

Wenchang city is set to embrace the concept of "factory-to-launch, reusability upon return, launch-to-operation, and data-as-service", as outlined by the mayor, and plans to achieve an annual manufacturing capacity of 1,000 satellites, cultivating a more competitive industrial ecosystem within the region.

Commercial aerospace, recognized as a pivotal driver for economic growth, holds immense potential. The city is delving into preferential policies regarding data accessibility to entice satellite data resources to engage with the trading platform. This initiative seeks to solidify satellite data components in Wenchang, establishing a satellite data bonded zone within the Hainan Free Trade Port. This endeavor aims to position Wenchang at the forefront of satellite data exchange and further enhance its role in the global aerospace industry, said Liu Chong.