China has successfully launched the final pair of backup satellites for its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), marking a significant milestone in the nation's global navigation ambitions.
The 59th and 60th satellites in the BeiDou family were deployed on Thursday at 9:14 a.m. Beijing Time, propelled into orbit by a Long March-3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province.
These two medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites play a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of the BDS-3 system. They are set to improve services related to positioning, navigation, timing, and short message communication for users around the world, according to China Media Group (CMG).
With the addition of these satellites, BDS-3 now operates a total of 30 networking satellites, most of which have been in service for six years. Designed for a lifespan of ten years, these satellites ensure the system's robustness as researchers plan upgrades for future deployments.
Liu Yingchun, chief designer of BDS-3, shared with CMG that the deployment of these two satellites signals the transition to BDS-4. "We will enter the deployment of BDS-4, with the two satellites serving as the last additions to BDS-3," Liu explained. Beyond regular operations, these satellites will also facilitate technical verification and exploration within the constellation.
A Coverage from Deep Sea to Space
China's BeiDou navigation system follows a three-step development strategy. The first step focused on providing services to domestic users, the second on expanding to the Asia-Pacific region, and the third aims to offer global services.
The journey began with the completion of BDS-1 in 2000 and BDS-2 in 2012. By July 2020, China became the third country to operate an independent global navigation satellite system with the full deployment of BDS-3.
Looking ahead to 2035, China plans to develop a more ubiquitous, integrated, intelligent, and comprehensive system. This future network will extend from indoor environments to outdoor spaces, covering deep sea areas and reaching into deep space.
To achieve this vision, China intends to build a low-orbit constellation system by 2025, aiming to provide global users with centimeter-level positioning services. Additionally, addressing technical challenges related to navigation signals and interference will be essential for enabling underwater, indoor, and deep space navigation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
