[FPSPACE] Construction of Wenchang launch center to begin

[Allen Thomson]

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90781/90876/6536611.html

Construction of Wenchang launch center to begin
15:36, November 19, 2008

The launch center for new-generation carrier rockets in Wenchang, southernmost China's Hainan Province, has entered into the implementation stage after receiving project approval and verification from the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

Zhang Jianqi, deputy director general of the PLA General Armament Department, said on November 17 that at present construction command is on site and a project budget of almost 5 billion yuan has been formulated. Construction for water supply, electricity installation and road and ground leveling are expected to begin next month.

Zhang, once the deputy commander-in-chief of the 'Shenzhou VII' mission, said after a thorough site inspection, he realized that the launch site was situated in a world-class ecological environment. There are consequently huge obligations for environmental protection during construction. He promised that they will construct the Wenchang rocket launch site to be an open, ecologically-sound and environmentally-friendly world class one at all costs. 

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