China’s New Lunar Launchpad Passes Key Test, Paving Way for Moon Missions

The new launch pad at the Wenchang Space Launch Site, specifically designed for crewed missions to the Moon, successfully passed its first major tests with a Long March-10 rocket model on February 11. This marks a critical milestone in China’s ambitious plan to land astronauts on the lunar surface before 2030 and solidifies its position as a leading space power.

A Leap in Launch Infrastructure

Construction on the comprehensive launch complex in Hainan province began in April 2024. In less than two years, a launch tower soaring to approximately 120 m (about 394 ft)-equivalent to a 40-story building-has been erected, making it the tallest such structure in China. According to Di Baojun, a representative for the spaceport, the recent tests successfully validated the flame trench’s functionality, the concrete’s resistance to ablation, and the efficiency of the water cooling system. The tests also confirmed the readiness of the ground crew for post-launch procedures.

A key element of the facility is a flame deflection trench, about 30 m (98 ft) deep, designed to channel the high-temperature gases generated during a rocket launch. Its associated water cooling system is capable of releasing around 1,000 tons of water in just 15 seconds to manage the intense heat.

Advanced and Resilient Design

The Long March-10 rocket, the cornerstone of China’s lunar missions, stands at a height of 92.5 m (303 ft). Unlike the launch pad used for the current Shenzhou crewed spacecraft, the new tower features an open design without a rotating service structure. Instead, equipment testing and servicing are conducted using the launch platform and robotic manipulators. This innovative open-gantry design not only streamlines operations but also significantly enhances the structure’s resilience to typhoons, a crucial consideration for the coastal launch site.

The Broader Context: A New Era of Lunar Exploration

This rapid development places China in direct competition with the United States’ Artemis program, which also aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. While NASA leverages decades of experience, China’s focused and accelerated pace demonstrates a formidable challenge in the 21st-century space race. The successful testing of this launchpad is a clear signal of Beijing’s commitment to becoming a major player in deep-space exploration.

What Lies Ahead

The full completion of the launch complex is scheduled for the second half of 2026. Following this, integrated tests involving the actual Long March-10 rocket will commence, bringing China one step closer to its historic goal of sending its first crewed mission to the Moon.