China has marked a significant milestone in space technology with the successful launch of 18 low Earth orbit satellites from its first commercial spaceport in south China’s Hainan Province. The launch, which took place at 12:38 a.m. on Wednesday, featured an innovative high-pressure water spray system for cooling and noise reduction, enhancing both efficiency and equipment protection.
The satellites were carried into orbit atop a Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket from the No. 1 launch pad at the site. This launch follows the inaugural mission from the No. 2 pad on November 30, 2024, signifying the dual-pad readiness of the spaceport for future missions.
Engineered with a modular steel structure, the No. 1 launch pad boasts several advancements aimed at rapid reuse capabilities. Among these is the high-pressure water jet system, a first for China’s space industry.
“This is the first time we have applied a high-pressure water spray system. Its pressure is doubled compared to traditional systems,” said Zhang Guodong, an engineer from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. “While traditional systems have water tanks at the top of the launch tower, ours are on the ground. We have three 300-cubic-meter storage tanks: one filled with 300 tonnes of water and the other two with high-pressure gas. The high-pressure gas forces the water through underground conduits into the deflector device.”
During rocket launches, exhaust flames can reach temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Celsius. The high-pressure water spray system and deflector device play a crucial role in protecting both the rocket and ground facilities from intense heat and noise.
“There are numerous drainage holes along the sides of the launch pad and many water spray nozzles on its upper surface,” Zhang explained. “These are designed to cool and reduce noise. The noise generated by the rocket engine can significantly impact the internal components of the rocket. We must reduce the noise level by 10 decibels. We’ve implemented a series of measures to ensure the rapid recovery of the launch tower.”
The upgraded launch pad now supports a seven-day launch and seven-day reset cycle, a vital improvement to meet the growing demand for satellite launches. This advancement positions China at the forefront of rapid space deployment and commercial space endeavors.
