3 ms·
Maybe I'm missing something, but China has an enormous east-facing coastline. Why not launch from Hainan over the Pacific? It's basically Florida but better-s
by bpodgursky 4y ago
Maybe I'm missing something, but China has an enormous east-facing coastline. Why not launch from Hainan over the Pacific? It's basically Florida but better-situated.
- Jabbles 4y agoYou'd have to build the rocket on the island, or transport the rocket to the island for launch. Neither is impossible, but it's a lot easier to build and launch from the mainland.
- bpodgursky 4y agoI mean sure, you could use the southern tip of Guangdong instead. I just don't see a technical advantage* to launching inland. * of course I see a military advantage where foreign countries can't recover your technology on failed launches...
- tjpnz 4y agoIf they launched from Hainan there would also be benefits in terms of Earth's higher rotational speed. Some of the weight saved on fuel could go towards additional payload capacity.