Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC) (Chinese: 文昌卫星发射中心; pinyin: Wénchāng Wèixīng Fāshè Zhōngxīn) located near Wenchang City 19°37′01″N 110°44′38″E / 19.617°N 110.744°E / 19.617; 110.744 on the north-east coast of Hainan Island, is a former sub-orbital test center and currently under upgrade. It is the fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility (spaceport) of the People's Republic of China. It has been specially selected for its ...
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Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC) (Chinese: 文昌卫星发射中心; pinyin: Wénchāng Wèixīng Fāshè Zhōngxīn) located near Wenchang City 19°37′01″N 110°44′38″E / 19.617°N 110.744°E / 19.617; 110.744 on the north-east coast of Hainan Island, is a former sub-orbital test center and currently under upgrade. It is the fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility (spaceport) of the People's Republic of China. It has been specially selected for its lowest latitude, only 19 degrees north of the equator, which would allow a substantial increase of payload mass, necessary for the future manned program, space station and deep space exploration program. Furthermore, it will be capable of launching the new heavy lift CZ-5 booster currently under development. Rail tracks of inland Space Centers will not allow the delivery of the new 5 meters core boosters, which Wenchang will, as it is served by a sea port. Initial launches of the CZ-5 booster from Wenchang were, as of early 2008, expected in...
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