CNSA / PLA Strategic Support Force · Xichang, Sichuan, China, China
Launch Pads
3 active (LC-2, LC-3 Long March 3A/3B/3C; LC-4 Long March 3B upgrades)as of [1]Annual Launches
~15as of [1]Max Payload (LEO)
11,500 kg to GTO (Long March 3B/E)as of [1]Established
1984
Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province is China's primary launch site for geostationary orbit missions. Its relatively low latitude of 28 degrees North makes it well-suited for GTO launches. It has been instrumental in deploying the BeiDou navigation constellation and numerous communications satellites.
| Region | Asia |
| Country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Coordinates | 28.2463° N, 102.0264° E |
| Ownership | Military |
| Parent Entity | PLA Strategic Support Force / CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) |
| Regulatory Regime | Chinese State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) |
| Latitude Advantage | 28.25°N — comparable to Cape Canaveral (28.5°N); ~17% GTO performance bonus vs. Baikonur, well-suited for GEO comms satellites |
| Azimuth Range | 94°–105° (GTO, GEO, lunar transfer) |
Anchor Tenants
Active Users
Strategic Value
China's GEO workhorse pad; deployed the entire 35-satellite BeiDou navigation constellation (China's GPS analog). Long March 3-family near-monopoly on Chinese GTO comms launches. Continues as backup lunar pad behind Wenchang.
Recent Activity
Multiple BeiDou-3 and Chinasat GEO launches through 2024–2025; Long March 3B cadence steady at 8–12 GTO flights/year.
2026
BeiDou-3 backup and on-orbit refresh launches
2027
Continued Chinasat / commercial GEO comms cadence