Private players make their mark with space missions

China's first man in space Yang Liwei (third from left) bids farewell to the Shenzhou XVII mission crew at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in October. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

The No 1 service tower is about 90 meters high and incorporates the latest rocket-launch technologies. It is specifically tasked with servicing Long March 8 carrier rockets.

Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the Long March 8 family consists of multiple medium-lift launch vehicles designated for commercial space missions.

Yang Tianliang, chairman of Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co, owner of the new center, said the complex's debut mission scheduled for June will be performed by a Long March 8 rocket lifting off from the No 1 service tower.

The new center project is a joint venture by the Hainan provincial government and three State-owned space conglomerates — China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, and China Satellite Network Group.