Ready for launch
China’s secretive space programme takes a step into the open
AFTER decades hiding deep in China’s interior, the country’s space-launch programme is preparing to go a bit more public. By the tourist town of Wenchang on the coast of the tropical island of Hainan, work is nearly complete on China’s fourth and most advanced launch facility. Tall new towers are visible from the road. Secrecy remains ingrained—soldiers at a gate politely but firmly decline to say what they are guarding. Visitors, they say, are prohibited. But nearby there are plans to build a space-themed amusement park. China is beginning to see new moneymaking opportunities in space.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline "Ready for launch"
China January 10th 2015
From the January 10th 2015 edition
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