Construction continues at a rapid pace for the Phase II project of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site as the Lunar New Year approaches. Large crawler cranes are busy hoisting steel structures into place, while workers diligently push forward with civil engineering and equipment installation tasks.
A site visit on February 12 revealed that the project has passed the halfway mark. Multiple sections will continue working without interruption during the holiday period, targeting operational readiness for the dual launch pads No. 3 and No. 4 by the end of 2026.
Ge Lixin, Director of the Engineering Equipment Department at Hainan International Commercial Space Launch Co., Ltd., stated that the main structures of the flame trenches for both pads have been completed. Construction has now entered the phase of mechanical, electrical, and facility equipment installation, marking the achievement of a key milestone for the Phase II project.
According to Ge, the project team is working extended hours to meet critical deadlines. Current priorities include installing lightning protection towers for the two pads and constructing the core tube and steel framework for the elevated water tower. Installation of propellant storage area piping and related equipment will continue throughout the Spring Festival holiday.
The elevated water tower, a crucial support facility for both launch pads, is progressing smoothly. Huang Junxin, project commander from Tonghao Construction Group First Engineering Co., Ltd., whose team is responsible for the water supply system, reported that the tower's cylindrical structure has reached 45 meters. Nearly 50 workers will remain on site during the holiday, aiming to complete steel structure installation up to the 36-meter level.
The Phase II project commenced on January 25, 2025. Its scope includes the launch area, technical zone, and the Gusong tracking station, featuring the addition of two new medium-to-large liquid-propellant universal launch pads.
Construction in the technical zone is advancing concurrently. The rocket assembly and testing facility, along with the satellite assembly, testing, fueling, and fairing integration building, have been topped out. The mission control center and Gusong tracking station have also reached their interim targets, while work on the offshore recovery platform is accelerating.
Ge Lixin outlined the project timeline: civil works and equipment installation are scheduled for completion by June 2026, followed by system debugging and integrated launch site exercises by the end of September 2026. The two new pads are expected to achieve launch capability by December 2026.
Upon completion, the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site will boast an annual launch capacity of 50 to 60 missions. This expansion will significantly enhance Hainan's commercial space launch capabilities and strongly stimulate development across the upstream and downstream space industry chain.
The site's existing Pad No. 1 and Pad No. 2 have successfully completed 12 launch missions. With commercial launches becoming routine, the site is in discussions with multiple rocket companies for future collaborations. Ge disclosed that over 20 rocket launches are already scheduled for 2026.