China's lunar exploration program On October 24, 2007, Chang'e 1, an un-crewed Moon orbiter of the Chang'e program, was successfully launched from the facility, marking the beginning of China's lunar exploration program. First Long March-3C carrier rocket China launched its first Long March-3C carrier rocket on April 25, 2008. This was the 105th mission of China's Long March series of rockets, and also the launch of the nation's first data relay satellite (数据中继卫星) Tianlian I (天链一号). A new launch pad for next-generation rockets (such as Long March 8) is currently under construction, as of December 2019. Facilities Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) Not built Shuguang launch site, later used as a viewing area. Launch Complex 2 (LC-2 or LA-2) Used for launching Long March 2E, Long March 3A, Long March 3B and Long March 3C rockets. Launch Complex 3 (LC-3 or LA-3) Also known as LA-1. Used for launching Long March 2C, Long March 3, Long March 3A and Long March 3B rockets. Demolished and rebuilt between 2005 and 2006. Upgraded in order to support the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program. Demolished and rebuilt again between 2013 and 2015. Technical Center XSLC's Technical Center is equipped for testing and integration of the payload and launch vehicle. Its Mission Command and Control Center is located southwest of the launch pads, and provides flight and safety control during overall system rehearsal and launch. It is serviced by a dedicated railway and highway directly from Xichang Qingshan Airport and Manshuiwan railway station, which is about away from the launch site. Two launch complexes at the facility support flight operations. See also Chinese space program Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center Wenchang Satellite Launch Center References External links Aerial Maps from Google Maps Spaceports in China Buildings and structures in Sichuan Chinese space program facilities Xichang