AFAIU, the full name is Hainan Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, the short form is Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC)
Some latest photos by Worldview 1 taken on January 19th seems to show that WSLC will feature two VABs and two launch pads, although the resolution is too low to show the details...
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/06/2012 01:29 amSome latest photos by Worldview 1 taken on January 19th seems to show that WSLC will feature two VABs and two launch pads, although the resolution is too low to show the details...Could you provide an English version of the captions, please?
If there are indeed two CZ-5 VABs then I wonder how many vehicles each VAB could accomodate at once? Maybe four simultaneous assemblies?
Quote from: Phillip Clark on 02/06/2012 04:46 pmIf there are indeed two CZ-5 VABs then I wonder how many vehicles each VAB could accomodate at once? Maybe four simultaneous assemblies?The big question is whether the CZ-7 series will be launched from WSLC? So far I have not seen a clear answer (even from Chinese soruces).P.S. The Chinese have little problem with YF-100, their next generation kerolox engine (it's already doing gimballing and acceptance tests right now), but their "half-a-Vulcain" YF-77 engine for the CZ-5 is seriously behind schedule. This, plus that the Chinese has only just completed a prototype for the 5 meter diameter hydrogen fuel tank, means that first launch in 2015 will be hard to hit. And the CZ-7 does not seems to be a priority right now....
http://english.cri.cn/6909/2012/02/05/2821s679220.htmChina's New Rockets Expected to Debut Within Five Years2012-02-05 21:32:25 Xinhua Web Editor: liuranranChina's new generations of the Long March rocket family, Long March-5, -6 and -7 are expected to make their maiden flights in the next five years, a rocket scientist [, Yu Menglun,] has said.[snip]Long March-5 rocket will be using non-toxic and pollution-free propellant. It has a maximum low Earth-orbit payload capacity of 25 tonnes and geosynchronous orbit payload capacity of 14 tonnes.The Long March-6, which is designed to be a high-speed response launch vehicle, has a minimum of 1 tonne of sun-synchronous orbit payload, according to the scientist.The Long March-7 has a maximum low Earth-orbit payload capacity of 13.5 tonnes and 5.5 tonnes of sun-synchronous orbit payload, he said.[snip]Currently, a fourth launch center is being built in Wenchang in the island province of Hainan. The Wenchang launch center is expected to be put into use within two or three years, according to Yu.
Quote from: ChileVerde on 02/06/2012 03:53 pmQuote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/06/2012 01:29 amSome latest photos by Worldview 1 taken on January 19th seems to show that WSLC will feature two VABs and two launch pads, although the resolution is too low to show the details...Could you provide an English version of the captions, please?Here you go (note that the identifications are merely speculation between forum members on a Chinese aerospace forum).
I would not be ready to immediately interpret the image as showing sites for "two VABs". The diverging path might lead to a parking/service area for mobile launch platforms, for example. Or it might run to a payload preparation facility. Etc. Two completely separate vertical assembly buildings doesn't make sense to me, given the dual high-bay setup at Jiuquan. Also note that Jiuquan has separate road and rail rights of way running toward the pad areas from different directions. - Ed Kyle