BeiDou Navigation Satellite System logo.
Dec. 16, 2019
Long March-3B carrying two new BeiDou-3 launches
A Long March-3B launch vehicle launched two new BeiDou-3 navigation satellites from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province, southwest China, on 16 December 2019, at 07:20 UTC (15:20 local time).
Long March-3B launches two BeiDou-3 MEO satellites
With the launch of BeiDou-3 MEO-23 and BeiDou-3 MEO-24, a total of 24 medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites of the BDS-3 have been successfully sent into space, and the deployment of the core BDS-3 constellation system has been completed, according to Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).
A Chinese Long March 3B rocket and a Yuanzheng upper stage launches two Beidou navigation satellites into medium Earth orbit. The satellites are the 43nd and 44rd in the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), respectively the 17th and 18th for the BeiDou-3 system.
Render of a BeiDou-3 satellite by J. Huart
China plans to launch three other BDS-3 satellites to the medium earth orbit, three satellites to the inclined geosynchronous earth orbit and two satellites to the geostationary earth orbit to 2020.
BeiDou Navigation Satellites Constellation
Navigation satellite systems are public resources shared by the whole globe, and multi-system compatibility and interoperability have become a trend. China applies the principle that “BDS is developed by China, and dedicated to the world”, serving the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and actively pushing forward international cooperation related to BDS. As BDS joins hands with other navigation satellite systems, China will work with all other countries, regions and international organizations to promote global satellite navigation development and make BDS further serve the world and benefit mankind.
For more information about Beidou navigation system: http://www.beidou.gov.cn/
For more information about China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC): http://english.spacechina.com/n16421/index.html
Images, Video, Text, Credits: China Central Television (CCTV)/SciNews/CASC/Orbiter.ch Aeroapce/Roland Berga.
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