Where is xjc located

Overview

XJC, formally known as the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, is one of China’s primary space launch facilities. Located in the mountainous region of Xichang in Sichuan Province, it was established in 1970 to support China’s growing space ambitions, particularly in launching communication and weather satellites.

The center's remote location provides natural terrain shielding and security, while its proximity to the equator enhances payload efficiency for geosynchronous launches. Over the decades, XJC has evolved into a critical node in China’s space infrastructure, hosting regular missions for civilian, military, and scientific payloads.

• Location: XJC is situated in Xichang, Sichuan Province, at geographic coordinates 28.2°N, 102.3°E, nestled in the Daliang Mountains.
• Establishment: Construction began in 1970, with the first successful launch occurring in 1984 using a Long March 3 rocket.
• Operator: The facility is managed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), under the oversight of the People's Liberation Army.
• Launch Capacity: XJC supports an average of 10 to 15 launches per year, primarily for geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) missions.
• Infrastructure: The center includes three launch pads, with Launch Complex 2 and 3 supporting Long March 2C, 3A, and 3B rockets.

How It Works

XJC operates as a specialized launch facility optimized for missions requiring access to high-inclination and equatorial orbits. Its systems integrate telemetry, tracking, and command functions to ensure mission success from liftoff through satellite deployment.

• Launch Vehicles: The Long March 3 series rockets are the primary vehicles used at XJC, capable of delivering up to 5,500 kg to GTO.
• Propellant Type: Rockets use hypergolic propellants—unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) and nitrogen tetroxide—which are storable and reliable for long-duration missions.
• Tracking Network: The center relies on the China Satellite Launch and Tracking Control General (CLTC) for real-time telemetry and orbital insertion data.
• Launch Window: Missions are typically scheduled during dry-season months (December to April) to minimize weather-related delays.
• Safety Protocols: Due to its inland location, XJC implements strict flight-path controls to ensure spent stages fall in designated uninhabited zones.
• Automation Level: Modern upgrades have introduced over 85% automated systems for fueling, countdown, and launch sequences since 2015.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of XJC with other major Chinese launch sites based on location, mission type, and operational metrics:

XJC ranks among the most active centers for geosynchronous missions due to its favorable latitude. Unlike coastal sites like Wenchang, XJC faces logistical challenges in transporting large rocket stages by rail, limiting its use for next-generation heavy-lift vehicles.

Why It Matters

XJC plays a pivotal role in China’s space strategy, enabling reliable access to orbit for critical national infrastructure. Its continued operation underscores China’s commitment to self-reliance in space technology and global satellite services.

• Strategic Importance: XJC supports China’s BeiDou navigation satellite system, with over 30 successful launches contributing to global coverage by 2020.
• Commercial Use: The center has hosted international payloads from Pakistan, Nigeria, and Venezuela, expanding China’s space diplomacy.
• Environmental Impact: Hypergolic fuel use raises concerns, with each launch releasing up to 200 kg of toxic byproducts into the atmosphere.
• Modernization: Since 2020, XJC has undergone digital twin integration to simulate launches and improve safety margins.
• Military Role: The site supports dual-use missions, including reconnaissance and secure communications satellites for the PLA.
• Future Outlook: While Wenchang is favored for future lunar missions, XJC will remain vital for high-frequency GTO launches through 2030.

As China expands its space presence, XJC continues to serve as a cornerstone of launch operations, balancing legacy infrastructure with incremental technological upgrades to meet evolving mission demands.