Fri Sep 20 08:48:24 UTC 2024: ## China Launches Final BeiDou-3 Backup Satellites, Paving the Way for BeiDou-4

**Xichang, Sichuan Province, China** – China on Thursday successfully launched the final two backup satellites for its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. These satellites, belonging to the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) category, will play a key role in ensuring the system’s operational stability and reliability.

The launch marks a significant milestone as China prepares to enter the deployment phase of BeiDou-4, the next generation of its navigation system. The two newly launched satellites will undergo rigorous testing to facilitate technological advancements for the future system, serving as a bridge between the existing BeiDou-3 and its successor.

The BeiDou system, one of four global satellite navigation systems recognized by the UN, currently boasts 30 operational satellites, including 24 in MEO, three in Geostationary Orbit, and three in Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit. These satellites provide services for positioning, navigation, timing, and global short message communication.

The newly launched MEO satellites feature upgraded onboard atomic clock configurations and advanced inter-satellite link terminals, further enhancing the accuracy and reliability of BeiDou-3’s global navigation services.

“With the deployment of BeiDou-4, China aims to build a more ubiquitous, integrated, and intelligent comprehensive positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) system by 2035,” said Liu Yingchun, chief designer of BDS-3. This system will provide enhanced coverage, extending from indoors to outdoors, and from the deep sea to deep space.

The successful development of BeiDou, despite facing numerous challenges in its early stages, showcases China’s commitment to building an independent and robust navigation system. “Generations of scientists have devoted their lives to building this autonomous satellite constellation system,” stated Wang Yanan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine. “China remained steadfast in its goal, despite facing enormous challenges,” he added.

Read More