Fourth space launch center announced

China announced plans to build a fourth space launch center, AFP reported. The facility, which will be built on Hainan island, is scheduled to be completed in 2012 and become operational the following year. It will be used to launch satellites and large space stations. The centre's location in a low-latitude region could increase rocket carrier capacity and prolong satellite life spans. More than 6,000 people will be relocated for the center, which will take up 1,200 hectares. A 407-hectare theme park with a "space" motif will also be built nearby. China's current launch centers are in Jiuquan, Gansu province, Taiyuan, Shanxi province and Xichang, Sichuan province. China launched its first lunar orbiter from the Xichang launch center last week.