Jiuquan Launch Area 4 (LA‑4) is a launch complex within the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), a Chinese spaceport situated in the Gobi Desert of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China. The complex is one of several launch sites at JSLC and is primarily used for the launch of crewed and high‑performance orbital missions, notably those involving the Shenzhou spacecraft and Long March 2F launch vehicle.
Location and Infrastructure
- Geographic setting: The launch area is located in the north‑western part of the JSLC site, approximately 1,200 km (750 mi) northwest of Beijing.
- Facilities: LA‑4 comprises a vertically integrated launch pad, service tower, propellant fill and venting systems, payload processing buildings, and a blockhouse for launch control. The complex is equipped with a mobile service tower capable of accommodating the height of the Long March 2F rocket and its associated crew capsule.
Operational History
- Inauguration: The complex became operational in the early 1990s, coinciding with the development of China’s crewed space program.
- Notable launches:
- Shenzhou 5 (2003): First Chinese human spaceflight, launched from LA‑4 on 15 October 2003.
- Subsequent Shenzhou missions: LA‑4 served as the launch site for Shenzhou 6 (2005) through Shenzhou 14 (2022), supporting all crewed missions launched from Jiuquan.
- Other payloads: The area has also been used for uncrewed launches of the Long March 2F and Long March 2C rockets carrying scientific, experimental, and commercial satellites.
Technical Characteristics
- Launch vehicle compatibility: Designed for the Long March 2 series, the pad supports rockets with a launch mass up to approximately 300 t and a height of up to 57 m.
- Safety and support systems: The site includes automated flame‑deflection systems, water deluge for acoustic suppression, and a comprehensive range of telemetry and tracking stations.
Strategic Significance
LA‑4 is integral to China’s human spaceflight program, providing a dedicated, hardened facility for high‑reliability crewed launches. Its continued use reflects the strategic emphasis placed on maintaining a domestic capability for crewed orbital missions and future lunar or deep‑space endeavors.
Future Developments
Chinese space authorities have indicated plans to upgrade launch infrastructure across JSLC, including possible modernization of LA‑4’s service towers and ground support equipment to accommodate next‑generation launch vehicles, though specific project details remain pending public release.