The launch center for new-generation carrier rockets in Wenchang Hainan ">Wenchang hainan , southernmost China's Hainan Province, has entered into the implementation stage after receiving project approval and verification from the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

Zhang Jianqi, deputy director general of the PLA General Armament Department, said on November 17 that at present construction command is on site and a project budget of almost 5 billion yuan has been formulated. Construction for water supply, electricity installation and road and ground leveling are expected to begin next month.

Zhang, once the deputy commander-in-chief of the 'Shenzhou VII' mission, said after a thorough site inspection, he realized that the launch site was situated in a world-class ecological environment. There are consequently huge obligations for environmental protection during construction. He promised that they will construct the Wenchang ">Wenchang rocket launch site to be an open, ecologically-sound and environmentally-friendly world class one at all costs.

After completion, it will become a world leading nontoxic, pollution-free, dual military and civilian use launch site for carrier rockets, primarily used in launching earth synchronous orbit satellites, massive polar orbit satellites, large-tonnage space stations, deep-space detection satellites and other various spacecrafts.

The Wenchang Launch Site for new generation carrier rockets project was approved by the State Council last August. It has a total investment of about 5 billion yuan, and the construction is expected to last five years.

By People's Daily Online