China launches new twin BeiDou-3 navigation satellites

July 30, 2018  - By

China has launched another pair of BeiDou-3 navigation satellites, reports Xinhua News Agency, China’s state-run press agency.

A Long March-3B carrier rocket lifted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province on July 29.

The twin satellites are the 33rd and 34th of the BeiDou navigation system. They entered orbit more than three hours after the launch. After a series of tests, they will work together with eight BeiDou-3 satellites already in orbit, said the launch service provider.

https://youtu.be/J6yDiZtdx1Y

A basic system with 18 BeiDou-3 satellites orbiting will be in place by the end of 2018, and will serve countries participating in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Named after the Chinese term for the Big Dipper, the BeiDou system started serving China in 2000 and the Asia-Pacific region in 2012. It will the fourth global satellite navigation system after the U.S. GPS system, Russia’s GLONASS and the European Union’s Galileo.

The satellites and the rocket for Sunday’s launch were developed by the China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, respectively. This was the 281st mission of the Long March rocket series.

China sends the 33rd and 34th BeiDou satellites into space on July 29. (Xinhua/Liang Keyan)

China sends the 33rd and 34th BeiDou satellites into space on July 29. (Photo: Xinhua/Liang Keyan)

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About the Author: Tracy Cozzens

Senior Editor Tracy Cozzens joined GPS World magazine in 2006. She also is editor of GPS World’s newsletters and the sister website Geospatial Solutions. She has worked in government, for non-profits, and in corporate communications, editing a variety of publications for audiences ranging from federal government contractors to teachers.