On Hainan island, space launches are a go

The Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan province, is now capable of space launch operations, which will commence in the second half of this year, the construction command headquarters said on Sunday.

It is a milestone in China's efforts to bolster its commercial space industry and expand rocket launches.

"Looking ahead, the launch center is poised to undertake launch services for domestic and international rockets and satellites, accelerating the pace of commercial aerospace technological development in China," said Yang Tianliang, chairman of Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co.

The launch center, the nation's first facility of its kind, occupies about 133 hectares. It took shape after breaking ground in July 2022. Within 726 days, essential infrastructure — such as fueling facilities, power substations, rocket assembly buildings and dual launch pads — has been completed. At one point, more than 50 teams and some 2,000 workers were on site to build the cutting-edge launch center.

The site features two launch pads for liquid propellant rockets and another two for solid propellant rockets. The No 1 launch pad was completed in December, followed by the No 2 launch pad in June.

On Sunday, the facility conducted a simulated rocket launch exercise. A water spray test in the No 1 launch pad showcased excellent cooling and noise reduction capabilities. In a simulation of a rocket's vertical positioning apparatus, a 200-ton vertical support structure smoothly ascended in the No 2 launch pad, driven by two hydraulic cylinders and reaching a vertical posture successfully after 15 minutes. Launch control commands were also rehearsed during a simulation of the launch phase.