Will China build an electric rocket launch pad on the roof of the world?

China may be planning to build an electric rocket launch pad on the "roof of the world," the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a move that could significantly alter space launch capabilities. The ambitious project is rooted in a concept proposed by young Chinese space industry professionals more than twenty years ago.

Recent developments suggest progress toward this goal. In late March, the city of Ziyang announced that a research facility had successfully tested a high-temperature superconducting navigation system. This test is seen as a potential breakthrough for electromagnetic rocket launch technology, which aims to use electricity to propel rockets before their chemical engines engage.

“

The concept of building an electromagnetic launch orbit in the high-altitude and thin-air areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was proposed by some particularly bold and talented young people within China’s space industry more than two decades ago.

Scientists across China are actively working on various programs related to this technology. While the specific location on the plateau is described as a "little-known Chinese town tucked against the Tibetan Plateau," the engineering challenges are acknowledged. A Beijing-based space scientist, speaking anonymously, stated that "many difficulties will be encountered during the implementation of this project, but it is feasible from an engineering perspective."

“

Many difficulties will be encountered during the implementation of this project, but it is feasible from an engineering perspective.