China has successfully launched its Long March-12 rocket from the newly built Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, signaling a major step forward in the nation’s expanding commercial space ambitions.
The launch, which took place on November 30, 2024, carried two experimental satellites into orbit, showcasing the capabilities of the 62.6-meter rocket.
The Long March-12 rocket employs cutting-edge technology, including the use of kerosene and liquid hydrogen fuels, which are more advanced and environmentally friendly compared to the older hypergolic propellants. According to the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the rocket can deliver payloads of up to 10 tons to low-Earth orbit or six tons to a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
Xie Li, the senior designer of Long March-12, highlighted the rocket’s state-of-the-art automatic ignition-malfunction detection system, which ensures safety by conducting real-time diagnostics and recalculating trajectories during anomalies. The rocket’s structure, with a diameter of 3.8 meters, features lightweight yet durable materials that are 15% lighter and 28% stronger than those used in earlier models.
The $553 million Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site, located on Hainan Island near the equator, offers significant advantages for satellite launches. Its equatorial position reduces fuel consumption and enhances payload capacity, making it a strategic hub for China’s space program.
Operated by Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd., the facility boasts the capability to handle up to 16 launches annually per launch pad. Its coastal location simplifies the transport of large rockets via sea routes and facilitates efficient recovery of reusable rocket stages from the South China Sea.
The Wenchang spaceport is set to play a critical role in China’s plans to deploy commercial megaconstellations, such as the Qianfan and Guowang satellite networks. By investing in advanced infrastructure and rocket technology, China aims to establish itself as a leader in the global space industry.