Spaceport's milestone a major boost for Hainan space industry

Industrial ecosystem

This high launch frequency is accelerating the development of a full industrial ecosystem. A large satellite manufacturing facility is under construction nearby, while the Wenchang Aerospace Supercomputing Center is expanding its "aerospace-plus" data services.

More than 700 aerospace companies are now located in Wenchang International Aerospace City, drawn by low-latitude launch benefits, favorable free trade port policies and a growing "rocket-satellite-data" industrial chain.

The provincial 15th Five-Year Plan pledges to advance the commercial aerospace launch site system and grow the rocket, satellite, data and "aerospace-plus" industries.

Interstellar Glory Aerospace Science and Technology Co is one of the companies committed to growth. At its launch-vehicle assembly, testing, and reuse facility, systems are undergoing intensive debugging.

"We are accelerating the construction of supporting facilities. In the future, we will rely on reusable technology to significantly reduce launch costs," said Peng Xiaobo, the company's chairman and general manager.

Yang from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co said: "Aerospace companies all keep a 'cost ledger'. If launch costs are lowered and supporting services are improved, companies will naturally be willing to come."

Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming said the province is mobilizing all resources to develop Wenchang International Aerospace City, using a "launch site-driven" industry strategy to build a complete industrial ecosystem.

He invited leading global aerospace companies to settle in Hainan to share in the policy benefits and explore new models of international cooperation in launches, data, and application to build the island province into a global benchmark for aerospace connectivity.

Therma Tech Chairman Sun Meng said the Hainan Free Trade Port offers greater freedom and room for innovation.

"Startups in the satellite and data chains can together spark more innovation and provide more development opportunities for new quality productive forces in the aerospace industry," he said.

Beijing Jiutianxingge Aerospace Technology Co Vice-President Chu Guoqiang said as a result of the Hainan Free Trade Port island-wide special customs operations launch on Dec 18, corporate operating costs are expected to be reduced and convenience improved for companies expanding overseas.

Hainan Fengli Gas Co, a high-tech enterprise producing liquid oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, partnered in 2023 with the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co to provide propellant and coolant.

"The supply process for aerospace gases is complex. Shortening the transport distance from the production site to the launch site helps reduce risk, time and cost. Also, launch dates can be uncertain, and a local service team can respond more quickly and flexibly," said Huang Shifeng from Hainan Fengli Gas Co. He said the company plans a 2 billion yuan ($280 million) investment to expand capacity, aiming to double production.