Wenchang Satellite Launch Center

Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
文昌卫星发射中心
Location within Hainan
General information
Status Complete and ready to launch.[1]
Location Wenchang, Hainan
Coordinates 19°37′56.17″N 110°56′55.05″E / 19.6322694°N 110.9486250°E / 19.6322694; 110.9486250
Opening 2014[1]
Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
Simplified Chinese 文昌卫星发射中心
Traditional Chinese 文昌衛星發射中心

Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC), located in Wenchang, Hainan, China, 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 will be capable of launching the new heavy lift Long March 5 booster currently under development.[2]

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 Center.[3] Now it's already shifted to 2016.[4] The CZ-5B (max payload to LEO) variant will fly around 2018.[5] 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.[6]

The construction of the site was completed by October, 2014 and ready to launch rockets.[1]

History

Political considerations have 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.

To date, five launches have taken place from this center, starting in 1988 with the Zhinü-1 suborbital launch vehicle.[7]

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV),[8] 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°39′07″N 110°57′47″E / 19.652°N 110.963°E / 19.652; 110.963 (Longlou village)) and Dongjiao (东郊, 19°34′01″N 110°52′01″E / 19.567°N 110.867°E / 19.567; 110.867 (Dongjiao village)) would be relocated as a consequence.[9]

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.[10] Satellite photography of April, 2011 shows a new clearing 19°36′50″N 110°57′05″E / 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.[11] Another launch pad made for the CZ-7 rocket launcher.[12]

See also

References and Further reading

  1. 1 2 3 Marcia S. Smith. "China's New Wenchang Space Launch Site Ready for Action". Spacepolicyonline.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  2. ↑ "Hainan showcases model of Wenchang Space Center (海南首次展出文昌航天发射场设计模型图)" (in Chinese). China Picture Network (中国新闻图片网). April 29, 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  3. ↑ China's New Carrier Rocket To Debut In 2014
  4. ↑ "Long March 5". Integrated Space Analytics. 2015-07-19. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  5. ↑ "Chang Zheng-5 (Long March-5) – SinoDefence". Sinodefence.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  6. ↑ "China to rehearse new carrier rocket for lunar mission - Xinhua | English.news.cn". News.xinhuanet.com. 2015-09-20. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  7. ↑ "China's Space Launch Stations (中国的卫星发射场)" (in Chinese). December 4, 2007. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  8. ↑ "China to construct the new Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (中国将在海南省文昌市建设新的航天发射场)" (in Chinese). Sohu. September 22, 2007. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Six Thousand People to be Resettled to Make Way for New Space Launch Center". October 29, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  10. ↑ China Completes Enclosure Of Land For Fourth Satellite Launch Center
  11. ↑ David, Leonard (2014-04-02). "China's New Spaceport to Launch Country's Largest Rocket Yet". Space.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  12. ↑ "More details on the Hainan Space Centre emerging – SinoDefence". Sinodefence.com. 2012-07-11. Retrieved 2016-02-23.

External links

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