China is set to launch its new-generation Long March-8 (CZ-8) rocket from the country's first commercial spaceport in Wenchang City, Hainan province, on Sunday afternoon.
The Long March-8, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), features environmentally friendly liquid propellant, marking a significant step towards sustainable space exploration. The rocket successfully completed a full rehearsal in early November this year.
At 1:44 p.m., the Long March-8 was transferred to the No. 1 launch pad at the Hainan Commercial Spacecraft Launch Site, where construction began in July 2022 and was completed on December 29, 2023.
This launch will serve as the inaugural event for the No. 1 launch pad, further testing the capabilities of the new spaceport following the successful maiden mission of the Long March-12 carrier rocket on November 30.
China's commercial space industry has seen rapid growth, expanding from 800 billion yuan (approximately $110 billion) in 2019 to 1.9 trillion yuan in 2023. The industry is projected to reach a market scale of 2.34 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, according to an industry report.
Reference(s):
China to launch Long March-8 rocket from its 1st commercial spaceport
cgtn.com
