In an electrifying start to a new era in commercial spaceflight, Hainan’s first commercial spaceport has taken off in style. Early on March 12, a Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket launched 18 low Earth orbit satellites from the newly activated No. 1 launch pad, setting the stage for future cosmic adventures. 🚀
This inaugural mission follows a previous successful launch from the No. 2 pad on November 30, 2024, proving that the site is ready for a dual-pad future. With Hainan leveraging its free trade port policies and special launch site advantages, the region is fast emerging as a hub for the rocket, satellite, and data industries – truly driving a vibrant "space+" economy.
Approved in 2022 and built at Wenchang International Aerospace City, this commercial spaceport reached operational status in a record 32 months, bridging a critical gap in the Chinese mainland’s commercial launch capabilities. Lu Liangliang from the China National Space Administration highlighted this milestone as a major boost for the nation’s space endeavors.
Looking ahead, a second phase is already in the works, featuring a command and control center and two additional liquid rocket launch pads, which will increase the annual launch capacity to over 60 missions. This rapid growth is also sparking an industrial boom: by the end of October 2024, more than 700 space-related enterprises had set up shop at the space city.
The momentum continues as 26 satellite industry enterprises signed up at the opening ceremony of the Wenchang International Aviation & Aerospace Forum on December 2, 2024, with leading commercial space companies like iSpace and Galactic Energy expanding their presence. In March, Hainan launched its first Aerospace Application Technology Industry Academy, aiming to nurture interdisciplinary talent in space, internationalization, and artificial intelligence.
With a mix of technical brilliance and economic strategy, Hainan isn’t just launching satellites – it’s launching a dynamic future. Stay tuned as this groundbreaking space hub continues to inspire and connect innovators across the cosmos!
Reference(s):
Innovative Hainan: Commercial spaceflight industry set to 'take off'
cgtn.com
