Xichang Satellite Launch Centre
ActiveNo launches are currently scheduled from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the published manifest, which was last confirmed on 9 August 2026. Dates may have moved since.
Xichang Satellite Launch Centre is China's primary site for high-altitude GEO and lunar missions, built at 1,825m elevation to reduce atmospheric drag. Home to the BeiDou navigation constellation and China's Chang'e 3, 4 and 5 lunar landers.
Site history
Orbital mechanics from 28.2463°N
A launch site's latitude determines which orbits are achievable and at what fuel cost. Xichang at 28.2463°N sets the following constraints:
Satellite train visibility from Xichang
From 28.2463°N, Xichang can reach 5 Starlink inclination shells: 28.5° (equatorial belt), 43°, 53°, 70°, 97.6° SSO (polar).
Trains launched to higher inclinations are visible from more of the world. A 97° SSO train from Xichang would be visible at virtually every latitude; a 53° train is visible from latitudes up to ±48° (primarily) — mostly tropical and subtropical regions. In the hours after launch — before satellites raise their orbits — a tight train of 20–60 bright dots crosses the sky roughly every 90 minutes. Use OrbitalNodes' Starlink tracker for exact train pass times.
Xichang: China's geostationary workhorse
Xichang launched China's early Chang'e lunar orbiters and the bulk of the Beidou satellite-navigation constellation, and remains a primary site for communications satellites bound for geostationary orbit.
An inland southern site, its location suits the high-energy transfer trajectories that GEO communications and navigation payloads require.
Xichang — Launch Site FAQ
Where is Xichang and who operates it?
Xichang Satellite Launch Centre is located at 28.2463°N, 102.0270°E in Sichuan, China. It is owned and operated by PLA / CNSA. The site has conducted approximately 140 orbital launches since its first in 1984.
What rockets launch from Xichang?
Current vehicles operating from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre include Long March 3, Long March 2C/D. Primary customers are CNSA, commercial providers, launching BeiDou navigation, GEO communications, Chang'e lunar, commercial GTO.
What orbits can Xichang reach?
At 28.2463°N, Xichang's minimum achievable inclination is 28.2° (due-east launch). The ISS at 51.6° is reachable with a dogleg manoeuvre. The site can reach orbits between roughly 28° and 98° inclination.
Can I watch launches from Xichang?
Yes — Xichang Satellite Launch Centre hosts a high cadence of approximately 16 orbital launches per year. Check the operator's website for public viewing arrangements and launch windows.
What satellites can I see that were launched from Xichang?
Satellites regularly launched from Xichang include BeiDou navigation, GEO communications, Chang'e lunar, commercial GTO. The ISS was supplied or crew-launched from sites at similar latitudes. Use OrbitalNodes to track any visible satellite in real time.
Why was Xichang built at this latitude?
Xichang at 28.2463°N was positioned to access the full range of low-Earth orbits including the ISS corridor. The site has been operational since 1984.
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