China to open fourth satellite launch center

China is planning to open a fourth satellite launch center on the tropical holiday island of Hainan. The provincial government has approved the preliminary plans, but it can still take a while before the central authorities give Hainan the green light to start construction.

Hainan is closely located to the Equator, and would allow more efficient launches and flight paths over the South China Sea, minimising the risk of debris falling on populated areas.

The plan still needs approval from several layers of central authorities, and the China Daily newspaper wrote that it's a rather complicated application process.

More info at Reuters