China's commercial spaceport opens rocket launches to the public

As China's commercial space sector expands, rocket launches are becoming more accessible to the public.

At the Oriental Spaceport in Haiyang, east China's Shandong Province, visitors can now watch launches from close range, tour aerospace facilities, and take part in hands-on science activities that were once largely limited to industry professionals.

The spaceport has emerged as a major hub for China's commercial sea-launch activities. It has completed 25 offshore launch missions, sending 155 satellites into orbit for applications ranging from communications and weather forecasting to marine observation and emergency response.

The growing public interest reflects broader developments in China's commercial space industry. What was once seen mainly through television broadcasts is increasingly becoming part of public science education and outreach.

Visitors can explore a space science museum featuring rocket models, virtual reality experiences, and interactive exhibits designed to explain aerospace technologies. Educational programs, including classroom demonstrations and simple rocket-building activities, are also aimed at inspiring younger generations.

According to the spaceport, the science museum receives around 100,000 visitors annually, while launch-viewing events have attracted more than 200,000 visitors in total.

Behind the visitor experience is a rapidly expanding aerospace industrial base. Haiyang has developed facilities covering rocket assembly and testing, satellite-related industries, and offshore launch operations. Local authorities are also investing in liquid-fuel rocket technologies and supporting infrastructure as the sector continues to grow.

As commercial space activities become more visible, facilities such as the Oriental Spaceport are giving the public new opportunities to engage with space technology beyond launch broadcasts and classroom textbooks.