Why did Xichang become a satellite launch base?

Xichang Satellite Launch Center is the only space launch center in my country that uses liquid hydrogen low-temperature propellant. It has the largest number of launches, is the earliest to be opened to the outside world, and is a satellite launch base with the highest launch orbit. Since its establishment in 1970, it has created Chinese miracles time and time again and written glorious chapters in the history of China's aerospace industry. Strictly speaking, the launch site of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center is not in Xichang, but deep in the Daliang Mountains, about 60 kilometers away from Xichang City, Mianning County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. So why did Xichang become a satellite launch base? First, historical reasons

As we all know, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, built in 1958, is China’s first space launch site. During the initial construction period, the Soviet Union sent technical experts to participate in the design. In the following years, Sino-Soviet relations deteriorated, and in the face of the severe international situation, the country formulated a strategic plan to gradually promote the relocation of Jiuquan, and then relevant scientific research experts began to select sites across the country. Second, the geographical location is superior

This place is located in the hinterland and deep mountains of China. Under the international and domestic situation at that time, the infrastructure built here was not easily damaged and was conducive to confidentiality. Secondly, the latitude here was relatively low (about 28.2 degrees north latitude), and the launch efficiency and cost were relatively high. Using the same fuel, the launch quality could be Taller, higher-orbiting satellites. Third, related to national strategy

In terms of site selection, Daliang Mountain in Sichuan is not the only choice. After a large-scale three-dimensional survey of 81 counties in 25 regions and 8 provinces across the country, The final choice to build here reflects the central government’s foresight.

Here we will mention another national project? Chengdu-Kunming Railway. In order to open up coal and steel bases along the line and connect multiple ethnic minorities, the Chengdu-Kunming Railway construction plan did not choose the middle line plan of Soviet experts, but chose the western line plan with the longest mileage and the most dangerous terrain. The construction of this line is a transportation rocket Provides more opportunities. Looking back at history, the Chengdu-Kunming Railway opened to traffic in Xichang on July 1, 1970, and the Xichang Satellite Launch Center was established at the end of the year. This is also related to the strategic relationship between the two projects.