China launches 18 satellites from Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site

In late November, the space complex conducted its maiden launch operation, facilitating the first flight of the Long March 12 rocket model from its No 2 launch pad.

As the nation's first spaceport dedicated to facilitating commercial operations, the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center is a joint venture of the Hainan provincial government and three State-owned space conglomerates. It is the fifth ground-based launch complex in China and the first run by a local government.

The No 1 launch pad was completed in December 2023 while the No 2 pad was finished in June 2024.