Wenchang, in Hainan province, is to be China’s dedicated hub for commercial space launches starting 2024. The completion of construction on the No. 1 launch pad at the city’s first commercial spacecraft launch site marks a milestone in this direction, with plans in place for the pad to host China’s new-generation medium-sized rocket, Long March 8.
Construction kicked off back in July 2022, and the No. 1 launch pad now boasts several advanced technologies for the first time, like a cone exhaust guide and extrusion water spray for cooling and noise reduction according to Yang Tianliang, Chairman of Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd.
Liu Chong, the city’s mayor and director of the Wenchang International Aerospace City Administration, shared updates at the 2023 Wenchang International Aviation and Aerospace Forum, saying that key facilities, including rocket and satellite assembly and testing plants, are on track to be up and running by the start of this year.
Wenchang is strategically positioned as part of the Hainan Free Trade Port, making it an ideal location for space launches, significantly contributing to its emerging role in the space sector. The city’s low-latitude coastal spot is a plus, making launches more efficient and cost-effective.
Wenchang is also ramping up efforts to expand its rocket industrial park and establish a comprehensive satellite and rocket super factory. These initiatives are geared towards enhancing integration and innovation throughout the industrial chain. Additionally, there’s a push to fast-track the development of a public platform for scientific and technological innovation, set to play a vital role in bolstering standardised commercial launch missions scheduled for the upcoming year.
Economic benefits are already showing
From January to October last year, Wenchang experienced solid growth in income, tax revenue, and fixed asset investment. To amp up its game, a 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) industrial fund has been launched, with a focus on aerospace, new energy, and digital economy projects.
Wenchang is locking in partnerships
Wu Zhiwei from Jiangxi Jovo Group, a significant player in the clean energy and gas industry, sees Wenchang as the place to be. The company aims to supply essential gases and fuel support services like liquid oxygen, hydrogen, methane, and space kerosene for launch missions, taking advantage of the city’s policies under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework.
As Wenchang positions itself for commercial launch missions this year, the focus is not just on infrastructure but on attracting talent and fostering the aerospace industry. Mayor Liu emphasised Wenchang’s commitment to attracting high-end talent and promoting the aerospace industry through supportive industrial policies.
The city’s efforts to introduce and adjust policies are designed to encourage aerospace enterprises to establish and flourish in Wenchang, attracting high-end talent in the process.
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