Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Reporters learned from the 2025 International Conference on the Peaceful Use of Space Technology currently being held in Hainan that the International Astronaut Center, a comprehensive platform integrating astronaut health management, space technology research, and aerospace science education, is planned to be established in the Hainan Free Trade Port in 2026.
It is understood that the proposed International Astronaut Center in Hainan will adopt a "one headquarters, multiple centers" layout, including a headquarters base in Sanya, an aerospace education base, and health management centers located in Sanya, Qionghai, and Danzhou. The headquarters will construct an international astronaut exchange center and an astronaut archive; the education base will be equipped with teaching facilities such as aerospace simulation laboratories; and the rehabilitation center will be equipped with convalescent facilities, providing services to astronauts worldwide.
Wang Tianyi, Executive Chairman of the International Peace Alliance (Space): One reason the International Astronaut Center chose Hainan is that Hainan is a symbol of China's opening up to the outside world. Through Hainan's openness, a bridge will be built between China's science and technology, economy, and the world. Also, through the symbol of astronauts, Hainan will be promoted to the world.
According to reports, the International Astronaut Center will also implement the "Astronaut Vacation Program," inviting astronauts from around the world to Hainan annually to conduct science popularization live broadcasts, technical consultations, and other activities. It will also expand international cooperation into areas such as space tourism and commercial spaceflight. The International Astronaut Center is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.
Former NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli: What excites me most is the potential to deepen cooperation with our Chinese counterparts in space technology research and development.
Andy Tennage, Executive Director of the Association of Space Explorers: I look forward to inviting astronauts from around the world to exchange ideas with Chinese students and people interested in space exploration, promoting cooperation on manned spaceflight projects. I hope to visit Hainan every year for space technology education and popular science exchanges.
