Wenchang Satellite Launch Center

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Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC) (Chinese: 文昌卫星发射中心; pinyin: Wénchāng Wèixīng Fāshè Zhōngxīn) located at 19°19′0″N, 109°48′0″E, is a former sub-orbital test center and currently under expansion. It is the fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility (spaceport) of the People's Republic of China. It has been specially selected for its lowest latitude, only 19 degrees north of the equator, which would allow a substantial increase of payload mass, necessary for the future manned program, space station and deep space exploration program. Furthermore, it will be capable of launching the new heavy lift CZ-5 booster currently under development. Rail tracks of inland Space Centers will not allow the delivery of the new 5 meters core boosters, which Wenchang will, as it is served by a sea port.

[edit] History

Political considerations have postponed the construction of a large space center in the Hainan island many times, being too vulnerable to foreign attacks. It is only after the end of the Cold War that new projects for its development have been submitted.

To date, five launches have taken place from this center, starting from 1988 with the Zhinui suborbital launch vehicle.