Commercial success

Adjacent to the state site, the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center completed its ninth successful launch of 2025 on Dec 26.

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.

"Our 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," explained Yang Tianliang, chairman of the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co.

A key innovation is the "three-level" 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.

A second-phase expansion, adding two more pads later this year, aims to boost the commercial site's annual capacity to over 60 launches and further enhance Wenchang's capacity for high-frequency launch missions.

On China's aerospace map, Wenchang has pioneered State and commercial sectors "soaring together with complementary functions", according to Wenchang Release, the official WeChat public account of local authorities.