Wenchang Space Launch Site LC-101

Mission Profile

Wenchang Space Launch Site Launch Complex 101 (LC-101) is China's newest and most capable orbital launch complex, located on Hainan Island at approximately 19.6° North latitude — China's southernmost and geographically best-positioned launch facility for geostationary and high-energy missions. First used for the Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket's debut on 3 November 2016, LC-101 is the only pad capable of handling China's largest launch vehicles including the Long March 5 and Long March 5B. The low latitude reduces the delta-v required for GTO missions and allows the spent stages to fall into the South China Sea rather than overland. From LC-101, China has launched the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, Chang'e 5 lunar sample return, and the core and laboratory modules of the Tiangong Space Station.