China's first commercial spacecraft launch site is ready for operations in South China's Hainan province as of Sunday, having completed a rocket launch simulation rehearsal using its two launch pads.

According to the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch (HICAL) company, which built and operates the launch site, the exercises performed using the launch pads included water spraying and deluge system cooling, as well as a rocket lifting arm erection test. Following assessments, HICAL confirmed that the site is operational for launch missions. HICAL President Yang Tianliang called on the company to work with satellite and rocket developers, and to prepare for the site's first launch mission.

Established in June 2022, HICAL was founded by the Hainan provincial government, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, and the China Satellite Network Group.

The launch site has an approximate investment of 4 billion yuan ($560 million) and is located off the coast of Wenchang City. It includes a launch area, a TT&C (telemetry, tracking and command) building, multiple rocket assembly buildings, spacecraft testing and integration facilities, fuel storage facilities, and other structures. It is positioned at a latitude of 20 degrees north, benefitting from the advantages of a low latitude, which increases rocket payload capacities and reduces launch costs.

Compared to inland launch sites, coastal launch sites are more convenient and safer as large rockets can be transported to the site by ship, which is very important for commercial launch services. A new, purpose-built port is being planned by the Hainan provincial government.