Status In use Opened 2014 | ||
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Similar Xichang Satellite Launch C, Jiuquan Satellite Launch C, Tanegashima Space Center, Qinglan Bridge, Svobodny Cosmodrome | ||
Wenchang Space Launch Center: Launching the future of China's space program
China Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site (中国文昌航天发射场), located in Wenchang, Hainan, China. It is one of the two spacecraft launch sites of Xichang Satellite Launch Center (the other site is in Xichang).
Contents
- Wenchang Space Launch Center Launching the future of Chinas space program
- Planning and construction
- Launch pads
- Launch history
- References
It is a former sub-orbital test center. It is China's fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility (spaceport). It has been specially selected for its low latitude, which is only 19 degrees north of the equator, which will allow for a substantial increase in payload, necessary for the future manned program, space station and deep space exploration program. Furthermore, it is capable of launching the new heavy-lift Long March 5 booster.
Unlike the space centers on the mainland whose rail tracks are too narrow to transport the new five meter core boosters, Wenchang will use its sea port for deliveries. Initial launches of the CZ-5 booster from Wenchang were, as of early 2008, expected in 2014, one year after the intended commissioning of the Wenchang Launch Site. Now it's already shifted to 2016. The CZ-5B (max payload to LEO) variant will fly around 2018. But CZ-5 carrier rocket was already shipped from North China's Tianjin port at 20 September 2015 for a rehearsal (some drills carried out on the launch pad that involves both the carrier rocket and a probe) of a scheduled Chang'e-5 lunar mission planned around 2017.
The construction of the site was completed by October, 2014 and ready to launch rockets.
The first launch took place successfully at 20:00, June 25, 2016. It was scheduled to lift off at 19:30 but was delayed half an hour.At first the launch site was named 'Hainan Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site'. Then before Nov. 3, 2016, it was finally named 'China Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site'.
Planning and construction
Political considerations had postponed the construction of a large space center in Hainan many times as it was considered too vulnerable to foreign attack. Following the end of the Cold War and the easing of global tensions, new projects for its development were submitted.
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), the construction of the new Wenchang Satellite Launch Center was officially approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China on September 22, 2007.
In late October 2007, the Mayor of Wenchang City announced that 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of land would be obtained for the center and more than 6,000 people, mostly from the villages of Longlou (龙楼, 19.652°N 110.963°E / 19.652; 110.963 (Longlou village)) and Dongjiao (东郊, 19.567°N 110.867°E / 19.567; 110.867 (Dongjiao village)) would be relocated as a consequence.
A subsequent article in November 2007 indicated that the actual launch site would be near Longlou, while a space-science theme park would be built near Dongjiao. Satellite photography of April, 2011 shows a new clearing 19.6139°N 110.9513°E / 19.6139; 110.9513 (Possible new site of launch facility) near the beach that is consistent with artist's concept pictures of the CZ-5 launch pad that have been displayed in China.
Launch pads
One of launch pad is designed for a CZ-5 rocket launcher. Another launch pad made for the CZ-7 rocket launcher.
Launch history
The first launch was a Long March 7 which took place successfully at 20:00, June 25, 2016. It was scheduled to lift off at 19:30 but was delayed half an hour.
On November 3, 2016, Long March 5 rocket made its maiden flight from the launch site.