Scientist eyes commercial launch center

Market value of space activities is expected to increase in coming years

China should build a space launch center dedicated to commercial missions, a senior scientist suggested.

Hu Shengyun, a senior rocket designer at the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp's Fourth Academy, said that the existing launch centers - Jiuquan, Taiyuan, Xichang and Wenchang - are administered by the government and are tasked with serving State programs such as lunar explorations and manned spaceflight.