Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Hainan commercial space launch site prepares to expand capacity
Hainan is building up its commercial space industry around a launch site in Wenchang, a city on the island province’s coast.
The site’s third launch pad has completed its main construction, and workers are testing its equipment before it opens.
The pads are designed for different rocket types, replacing a system in which each rocket type needed its own pad.
When all four pads are operating, the site is expected to handle up to 60 launches a year.
Wenchang is also developing satellite-data services, with a local computing centre processing orders from Singapore and working on international trade with Southeast Asia and Europe.
The centre draws on 161 satellites to provide commercial remote-sensing data and related services.
The expansion aims to link rocket launches, satellite manufacturing and data services, while the centre’s overseas data business continues to grow.
The Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site is preparing to expand its launch capacity as work advances on its second-phase project.
Stand 3 completed its main construction at the end of September and is undergoing equipment tests, with commissioning expected to finish by the end of October.
When all four stands are operational, the site is expected to be capable of 60 launches a year.
The stands were designed for use by different rocket models, rather than assigning one stand to each rocket type.
The expansion is intended to support frequent, lower-cost and regular commercial launches.
- Who
- Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site and its construction teams.
- What
- The site is preparing Stand 3 for use as part of its second-phase expansion. With all four stands operational, it expects to reach 60 launches a year.
- When
- Stand 3’s main construction was completed at the end of September 2026. Equipment testing was expected to finish by the end of October.
- Where
- Wenchang, Hainan, China.
- Why
- To meet demand for frequent, lower-cost and regular commercial space launches.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stand 3 completed its main construction.
Workers were testing the air-conditioning and gas supply systems at Stand 3.
Stand 3’s equipment commissioning was expected to be completed.
The launch site is expected to have capacity for 60 launches a year.
- Location
- Wenchang, Hainan
- Project
- Second phase of the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Site
- Stand 3
- Main construction completed at the end of September 2026
- Launch capacity
- 60 launches a year when all four stands are operational
- Stand design
- Compatible with multiple rocket models
1 source
What people are saying
The adjustment of the air-conditioning system is generally going smoothly, and commissioning of the gas supply system is also proceeding as planned. All equipment commissioning at Stand 3 will be completed by the end of this month.
At present, we are making every effort to carry out international data trade and processing work aimed at Southeast Asia and Europe.