{"id":129612,"date":"2026-01-27T10:02:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/chinas-wenchang-spaceport-enters-high-frequency-launch-era-as-commercial-space-booms\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T10:02:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:02:43","slug":"chinas-wenchang-spaceport-enters-high-frequency-launch-era-as-commercial-space-booms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/chinas-wenchang-spaceport-enters-high-frequency-launch-era-as-commercial-space-booms\/","title":{"rendered":"China\u2019s Wenchang Spaceport enters high-frequency launch era as commercial space booms"},"content":{"rendered":"

BEIJING, China, Jan 27 \u2014 China\u2019s primary spaceport for heavy-lift missions set a new annual launch record in 2025, highlighting the country\u2019s rapidly advancing high-density launch capabilities and the parallel rise of a commercial space ecosystem.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in South China\u2019s Hainan province conducted its 12th launch of 2025 on Dec 31, using a Long March 7A rocket to send the Shijian 29A and 29B satellites into their preset orbit.<\/p>\n

This milestone followed another one reached on Nov 30, when the launch of a modified Long March 7 rocket marked the first time the site\u2019s annual launch tally had reached double digits. Since its inaugural mission in 2016,Wenchang has executed 45 launches, with the rate steadily growing.<\/p>\n

The site, China\u2019s first independently designed green, modern spaceport, operates two all-weather launchpads specializing in medium and large cryogenic-liquid rockets. Officials attribute the increased launch rate to optimized efficiency, achieved primarily by slashing rocket testing cycles on the launchpads.<\/p>\n

\u201cShortening the rocket\u2019s on-pad occupation time is critical,\u201d said Wang Yuliang, a site official.<\/p>\n

The launch cycle for the 2017 Tianzhou 1 mission was roughly 40 days. It was streamlined to more than 30 days for the 2021 Tianzhou 2 launch and cut to about 20 days for Tianzhou 4 in 2022, which also pioneered simultaneous loading of liquid oxygen and kerosene.<\/p>\n

Technicians achieved this through innovations in the process, merging tasks, eliminating redundancies and simplifying installations.<\/p>\n

Between missions, they also upgraded and maintained equipment to ensure reliability. Propellant handling efficiency has tripled by adding tankers and enabling parallel transfer operations, according to commander Fu Yihang.<\/p>\n

Experts said these refinements are key for Wenchang\u2019s future role in national projects like crewed moon landings and deep-space exploration, which will demand higher launch rates.<\/p>\n

A Long March 12 rocket is moved to the No 2 launch service tower on Jan 15 in Wenchang. CHINA DAILY<\/p>\n

Commercial success<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Adjacent to the state site, the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center completed its ninth successful launch of 2025 on Dec 26.<\/p>\n

It has progressed rapidly from its official debut in late 2024 and achieved two launches within five days last year. Built in 878 days and commencing operations in July 2022, the commercial center pioneers a flexible, cost-effective model.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur first phase features a dual-pad configuration with rapid launch and post-launch recovery capabilities. For instance, our No 2 launchpad features a universal design, compatible with over 20 rocket models, which has helped attract additional commercial launch companies,\u201d explained Yang Tianliang, chairman of the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co.<\/p>\n

A key innovation is the \u201cthree-level\u201d process in which rockets are assembled, tested, and transported horizontally before being raised upright at the launchpad, cutting preparation time from about 20 days to 10 or fewer.<\/p>\n

A second-phase expansion, adding two more pads later this year, aims to boost the commercial site\u2019s annual capacity to over 60 launches and further enhance Wenchang\u2019s capacity for high-frequency launch missions.<\/p>\n

On China\u2019s aerospace map, Wenchang has pioneered State and commercial sectors \u201csoaring together with complementary functions\u201d, according to Wenchang Release, the official WeChat public account of local authorities.<\/p>\n

People watch the Long March 12 carrier rocket blast off from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang on Jan 19. LUO YUNFEI\/CHINA NEWS SERVICE<\/p>\n

Industrial ecosystem<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This high launch frequency is accelerating the development of a full industrial ecosystem. A large satellite manufacturing facility is under construction nearby, while the Wenchang Aerospace Supercomputing Center is expanding its \u201caerospace-plus\u201d data services.<\/p>\n

More than 700 aerospace companies are now located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, drawn by low-latitude launch benefits, favorable free trade port policies and a growing \u201crocket-satellite-data\u201d industrial chain.<\/p>\n

The provincial 15th Five-Year Plan pledges to advance the commercial aerospace launch site system and grow the rocket, satellite, data and \u201caerospace-plus\u201d industries.<\/p>\n

Interstellar Glory Aerospace Science and Technology Co is one of the companies committed to growth. At its launch-vehicle assembly, testing, and reuse facility, systems are undergoing intensive debugging.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are accelerating the construction of supporting facilities. In the future, we will rely on reusable technology to significantly reduce launch costs,\u201d said Peng Xiaobo, the company\u2019s chairman and general manager.<\/p>\n

Yang from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co said: \u201cAerospace companies all keep a \u2018cost ledger\u2019. If launch costs are lowered and supporting services are improved, companies will naturally be willing to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming said the province is mobilizing all resources to develop Wenchang International Aerospace City, using a \u201claunch site-driven\u201d industry strategy to build a complete industrial ecosystem.<\/p>\n

He invited leading global aerospace companies to settle in Hainan to share in the policy benefits and explore new models of international cooperation in launches, data, and application to build the island province into a global benchmark for aerospace connectivity.<\/p>\n

Therma Tech Chairman Sun Meng said the Hainan Free Trade Port offers greater freedom and room for innovation.<\/p>\n

\u201cStartups in the satellite and data chains can together spark more innovation and provide more development opportunities for new quality productive forces in the aerospace industry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Beijing Jiutianxingge Aerospace Technology Co Vice-President Chu Guoqiang said as a result of the Hainan Free Trade Port island-wide special customs operations launch on Dec 18, corporate operating costs are expected to be reduced and convenience improved for companies expanding overseas.<\/p>\n

Hainan Fengli Gas Co, a high-tech enterprise producing liquid oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, partnered in 2023 with the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co to provide propellant and coolant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe supply process for aerospace gases is complex. Shortening the transport distance from the production site to the launch site helps reduce risk, time and cost. Also, launch dates can be uncertain, and a local service team can respond more quickly and flexibly,\u201d said Huang Shifeng from Hainan Fengli Gas Co. He said the company plans a 2 billion yuan ($280 million) investment to expand capacity, aiming to double production.<\/p>\n

Tourists looking for an immersive interactive experience pose for a photo during a rocket stress test at the Wenchang Spaceflight Science Center on Oct 3. LUO YUNFEI\/CHINA NEWS SERVICE<\/p>\n

Government boost<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Zhang Rusheng, deputy director of the China National Space Administration\u2019s commercial space department, said China\u2019s commercial space sector has entered a new stage of innovative, scaled development.<\/p>\n

The Hainan commercial launch site has achieved a 100 percent success rate in 10 launches and accomplished a dual-pad launch capability. Zhang said the administration will support Hainan in using Free Trade Port preferential policies to pool global innovation resources and turn technological advantages into high-quality development momentum.<\/p>\n

Li Zhongbao, chief engineer of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, said the State-owned group is systematically planning the entire satellite, rocket, launch site, and application chain. The group will leverage Hainan\u2019s location and policy advantages to focus on core capabilities and expand integrated industries like space tourism, satellite data and the low-altitude economy, working with partners to build a new commercial space hub with global competitiveness, he said.<\/p>\n

During the Wenchang International Aviation and Aerospace Forum on Dec 23, the Hainan Aerospace Technology Innovation Center and Hainan Weizi Daokong Technology Co released results from the Haishao series, China\u2019s first low-inclination orbit Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite.<\/p>\n

Its low-inclination orbit enables the satellite to close the low-latitude data gap in Earth observation and provide a \u201cfull-sea-area positioning service\u201d system, showcasing innovation in aerospace and marine technology.<\/p>\n

Officials said the Haishao 1\/AIRSAT 08 satellite has operated successfully in orbit for a year, calling it the world\u2019s first 350-kilometer ultra-low orbit.<\/p>\n

They described the Haishao 2\/AIRSAT 05 as the world\u2019s first integrated \u201cremote sensing-communication-navigation aid\u201d SAR satellite. Once networked, the satellites form an all-weather observation network covering Hainan and the South China Sea.<\/p>\n

The Haishao 3 satellite project was initiated recently and will use a low-inclination orbit to enhance observation capability in mid \u2014 to low-latitude regions.<\/p>\n

The series launch highlights Hainan\u2019s progress in building an independent and controllable satellite observation system. This system aims to form a \u201csky eye\u201d covering both land and sea, providing more precise and real-time integrated sky-land-sea sensing capabilities for the construction of the Hainan FTP and supporting the development of Hainan\u2019s digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Cao Shuyu, mayor of Wenchang and head of the Wenchang International Aerospace City Administration, said the city will focus on four areas: building a closed-loop \u201claunch-recovery-reuse\u201d system; cultivating a new satellite application ecosystem; expanding international application and trade channels for satellite data; and promoting deep integration of aerospace and cultural tourism.<\/p>\n

Visitors enjoy an MR interstellar travel experience at the center on Oct 7. PU XIAOXU\/XINHUA<\/p>\n

Tourism thriving<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Each launch also helps fuel a vibrant \u201caerospace tourism\u201d sector, with thousands of spectators flocking to local viewing points. \u201cHainan has a good natural environment and the country\u2019s only low-latitude, coastal rocket launch site. Every launch attracts a large number of tourists,\u201d said Xin Guotao, operations manager at the Wenchang Shanhaitian Convention Center.<\/p>\n

In surrounding towns, many guesthouses offer rooftop viewing.<\/p>\n

The center\u2019s roof can accommodate over 300 viewers, providing refreshments, aerospace lectures and video screenings.<\/p>\n

Tourists from across China have been enjoying the thrills of the launch experience.<\/p>\n

Tang Yutong from Guangdong province has traveled to Wenchang multiple times to \u201cchase rockets\u201d, often dressed in traditional moon Goddess Chang\u2019e and Jade Rabbit costumes to blend ancient myth with modern technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cA person must come to see a rocket launch by the sea once in their lifetime,\u201d said Si Shuxian, a tourist from Henan province. \u201cBringing my kids here can let them see for themselves our country\u2019s strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chen Jiaojiao, from Sanya, Hainan, said watching rocket launches connects people from different regions.\u201dTourists from all over the country, and even the world, gather in Wenchang. We don\u2019t know each other but share the same expectation, cheering together for the rocket\u2019s ascent.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the Wenchang Space Supercomputing Science and Technology Museum, satellites like the Wenchang Supercomputing 1 are on display.<\/p>\n

The Wenchang Jixing Meteorite Museum integrates aerospace technology with cultural tourism innovation. It showcases over 400 celestial specimens, and invites visitors to view the mysteries of the universe.<\/p>\n

Through artificial intelligence interactions, virtual reality tours and other technology, it offers an immersive space exploration experience. This \u201ctech-infused tourism\u201d model reflects the Hainan Free Trade Port\u2019s broader strategy to diversify and modernize its tourism and technology sectors, officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cParent-child and family trips are the main visits during holidays, with foot traffic significantly higher than usual,\u201d said a representative from the Wenchang Jixing Meteorite Museum. Combining aerospace with cultural tourism has strong appeal, with science popularization classes and interactive experiments making aerospace charm tangible.<\/p>\n

Chen Jian\u2019ge, secretary-general of the Wenchang Tourism Association, said the future of aerospace tourism requires breaking boundaries for greater integration, suggesting further developing iconic aerospace tourism IPs and more diverse, professional tourism formats.<\/p>\n

For more visit\u00a0China Daily<\/a><\/p>\n

For subscriptions on news from China Daily, or inquiries, please contact China Daily Africa Ltd on +254 20 6920900 or write to enquiries@chinadailyafrica.com<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BEIJING, China, Jan 27 \u2014 China\u2019s primary spaceport for heavy-lift missions set a new annual launch record in 2025, highlighting the country\u2019s rapidly advancing high-density launch capabilities and the parallel rise of a commercial space ecosystem. The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in South China\u2019s Hainan province conducted its 12th launch of 2025 on Dec 31, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-129612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=129612"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/129612\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=129612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=129612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chezaspin.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=129612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}