China's Hainan Commercial Launch Center expands with two new launch pads

The Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in China has begun the second phase of its development, which will feature two new launch pads specifically designed for liquid propellant rockets. The expansion is part of an effort to enhance the site's launch capabilities and meet the growing demand for commercial space missions in the country.

The second phase will span over 133 hectares along the coast of Wenchang, a suburban city in Hainan. As announced by the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL), the new phase will include the construction of not only two launch pads but also essential systems such as a propellant fueling system and a gas supply system.

Further infrastructure will include a commercial aerospace command and control center, a rocket assembly and testing facility, and a tracking, telemetry, and command station. According to HICAL, the expanded capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the site's ability to support commercial space operations and contribute to Hainan's ambitions of developing a cutting-edge industrial cluster in the commercial space sector.

This expansion comes on the heels of the site's successful first launch mission, which took place on November 30, 2024.