Xichang Satellite Launch Center

Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC, 西昌卫星发射中心) is China's primary launch facility for geostationary orbit missions, located in Sichuan Province at 28.2°N latitude approximately 1,825 meters above sea level — an elevation and latitude combination that reduces the propellant required for geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) injections by allowing rockets to launch closer to the equator (compared to China's other launch centers at higher latitudes) and reducing the atmospheric column they must traverse.

Xichang was established in 1984 specifically to support China's ambitions in geostationary communications satellite launch — first serving China's domestic satellite needs, then becoming the primary launch site for China's commercial GEO satellite launch service (Long March 3 family) offered to international customers through China Great Wall Industry Corporation. The mountainous Sichuan basin location provides natural terrain shielding that reduces noise complaints and provides geographic separation from populated areas, while valley topography concentrates the launch corridor.

The launch center hosts multiple launch complexes equipped for the Long March 3A, 3B, and 3C families — China's medium-to-heavy lift rockets using LOX/kerosene first stages and LOX/liquid hydrogen upper stages, optimized for GTO insertion. The Long March 3B/E (Enhanced) in particular has become China's workhorse for heavy GEO communications satellite launches, deploying the DFH-4 and DFH-5 platform satellites for Chinese operators (China Satcom, APT Satellite, AsiaSat) and international customers (Thaicom, SatMex, Apstar, Intelsat lease arrangements). Long March 4C launches Sun-synchronous LEO missions from Xichang as well.

Beidou navigation satellite launches — China's global navigation satellite system equivalent to GPS — are a major mission type at Xichang, including both MEO and GEO Beidou satellites that form the navigation constellation. The Chang'e lunar exploration program missions have also launched from Xichang, including Chang'e 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Xichang's location in Sichuan creates payload transport challenges: rocket stages are manufactured in other provinces (Beijing, Tianjin) and transported by rail and road to the remote mountainous site, requiring careful logistics coordination. The center's 1984-2024 record spans 200+ launches.