China continues to fuel its ambitions of becoming a global leader in space exploration by proposing the construction of a new commercial spaceport.
The spaceport is planned to be located in Mianning County, within the Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province.
This initiative signals China’s determination to strengthen its position within the rapidly advancing space industry.
The Chinese space program has been expanding rapidly, with aspirations of overtaking the United States as a preeminent space power.
The new spaceport, as reported by the Sichuan Daily and cited by the South China Morning Post, aligns with the nation’s strategy to bolster its “strategic hinterland” positions.
The spaceport aims to meet China’s national needs during potential “extreme situations.”
This project, located close to the long-standing Xichang Satellite Launch Center, signifies a strategic move to enhance the country’s commercial space capabilities.
The Xichang center has been operational since 1984 and is credited with the successful launch of over 200 satellites, emphasizing China’s proficiency in satellite technology.
Dong Weimin, a member of the Sichuan Party Standing Committee, highlighted the strategic importance of this new venture.
“Commercial space flight represents a novel sector within aerospace business, characterized by rapid technological advancements and significant economic potential,” he noted.
The establishment of this spaceport intends to attract major players in the aerospace industry, including rocket and satellite manufacturers, thereby fueling economic development.
Although specific details regarding the number of launch pads, supported rocket types, or a precise operational timeline have not been disclosed, this initiative underscores China’s focus on commercial space flight.
Companies such as Landspace, iSpace, Space Pioneer, Deep Blue Aerospace, and Galactic Energy are pivotal players in this domain, developing advanced reusable, medium-lift launch vehicles that necessitate increased launch capabilities.
The new facility is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its domestic space infrastructure.
This includes an ambitious plan set by the central government to promote the commercial space sector, supported by local economic policies in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and provinces including Shandong, Hainan, and Anhui.
Currently, China operates three inland spaceports located at Jiuquan, Taiyuan, and Xichang, in addition to a coastal facility in Wenchang on Hainan island.
The nation’s launch activities have seen a remarkable increase from 22 in 2016 to 67 in 2023. This trend is expected to continue, with China having conducted 47 orbital launches in 2024 alone.
The private space market in China is experiencing robust growth, boasting an annual increase of over 20% from 2017 to 2024.
The sector is predicted to reach a valuation of 2.34 trillion yuan (approximately US$326 billion) in 2024, as noted by iiMedia Research.
This initiative not only exemplifies China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration technologies but also its desire to foster an economic environment conducive to innovation and industrial growth, positioning itself as a rising competitor on the global space stage.