The second phase of the Hainan Commercial Spaceport, located in Wenchang, China, the first professional commercial complex for launches, has been nearly completed and began full-scale joint rehearsals on September 29. This stage includes new launch pads No. 3 and No. 4, which are planned to be commissioned by the end of this year.
The spaceport operator, Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL), started construction of the second phase on January 25, 2025, next to existing facilities. The planned construction period was about 730 days. The project covers an area of approximately 73 hectares and includes two launch pads, a fuel loading area, buildings for handling rockets and satellites, and a tracking station. HICAL announced this achievement on October 1.
Both new pads are universal medium-lift liquid launch pads, designed to accommodate a three-stage testing and launch mode for the spaceport. In this mode, the rocket is assembled, tested, and transported horizontally along with the satellites, after which it is raised vertically using a hydraulic lift. They are capable of servicing Long March 12B type rockets and other two-stage rockets with a diameter of less than 5 meters. The rehearsal commencement ceremony took place on the apron of Launch Pad 3.
Liu Hongjian, Chairman of Hainan Aerospace Group and CEO of HICAL, stated that Launch Pads 1 and 2 are operating at full capacity and have demonstrated regular high-frequency launches, including two launches in five days and three in a month. After Launch Pads 3 and 4 are commissioned by the end of the year, the spaceport's total annual capacity will increase to 60 launches. Combined with new tracking and marine rescue systems, the annual figure is expected to exceed 60 launches, completing the cycle from launch to tracking and recovery. The marine rescue service, intended for reusable rockets, is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.
Construction of the first phase began on July 6, 2022. From the start of work to the first Long March 12 mission launch was 878 days, which occurred on November 30, 2024. On March 12, 2025, the spaceport gained the capability to operate with two launch pads. HICAL Chairman Yang Tianliang reported that the spaceport has conducted 23 launches so far, placing 239 satellites into their planned orbits. He noted that the second phase, built on the experience of the first phase, has allowed for significant cost reduction and staff optimization. The four launch pads will be able to meet launch demand over the next two to three years, with further expansion possible if market demand grows.
As part of the same event, an industry alliance was formed, bringing together satellite manufacturers, rocket developers, and spaceport operators. HICAL signed cooperation agreements with 19 rocket and satellite companies regarding future missions and technical work, and also assumed quality commitments with seven rocket companies.