Wenchang Satellite Launch Center

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
文昌卫星发射中心
Wenchang Satellite Launch Center is located in Hainan
Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
Location within Hainan
General information
Status Complete and ready to launch.[1]
Location Wenchang, Hainan
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Opened 2014[2]
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.[3]

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.[4] Now it's already shifted to the end of 2015 or even later - during 2016.[5][6] The CZ-5B (max payload to LEO) variant will fly around 2018.[7] 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.[8]

The construction of the site was completed by October, 2014 and ready to launch rockets.[9]

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.[10]

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV),[11] 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, Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.) and Dongjiao (东郊, Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.) would be relocated as a consequence.[12]

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.[13] Satellite photography of April, 2011 shows a new clearing Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. 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

  • A total of three launch pads are planned.

One of launch pad is designed for a CZ-5 rocket launcher.[14] Another launch pad made for the CZ-7 rocket launcher.[15]

See also

References and Further reading

  1. ↑ http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/chinas-new-wenchang-space-launch-site-ready-for-action
  2. ↑ http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/chinas-new-wenchang-space-launch-site-ready-for-action
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ China's New Carrier Rocket To Debut In 2014
  5. ↑ http://www.integratedspaceanalytics.org/cms/portal/long-march-5
  6. ↑ http://www.revolvy.com/main/index.php?s=Long%20March%205&uid=1575
  7. ↑ http://sinodefence.com/rocketry/changzheng-5/
  8. ↑ http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-09/20/c_134642723.htm
  9. ↑ http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/chinas-new-wenchang-space-launch-site-ready-for-action
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ China Completes Enclosure Of Land For Fourth Satellite Launch Center
  14. ↑ http://www.space.com/25323-china-new-spaceport-rocket-launches.html
  15. ↑ http://sinodefence.com/2012/07/11/hainan-space-centre/

External links

  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  • Hainan Space Center[dead link]
  • Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Retrieved from "https://infogalactic.com/w/index.php?title=Wenchang_Satellite_Launch_Center&oldid=848058"