Beijing, May 25: China today successfully established a complete strategic satellite navigation and positioning system by launching its third indigenously designed all-weather navigation satellite. The rocket, 'Long March 3-A' carrying the 'Beidou' satellite blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launching Centre in southwest China's Sichuan province early today and 20 minutes after, the satellite separated from the rocket, said a report.
"The launching of the third satellite marks the formation of a complete and sound satellite navigation and positioning system to ensure all-weather navigation and positioning information," Chinese experts said.
The system will play an important role in economic matters, offering efficient navigation and positioning services for the sectors of transportation, meteorology, military, petroleum production, forest fire prevention, disaster forecast, telecommunications and public security. The navigation system, which serves as a radio beacon in outer space, can help subscribers know their location at any time and place with accurate longitude, latitude and altitude data. New testing procedures were adopted in the launch, which not only help reduce the time needed for preparing for the launch, but also improve the quality of the carrier rocket, the experts said.
China sent the first two Beidou navigation satellites into orbit on October 31 and December 21 in 2000 respectively. Aerospace experts said the two satellites have been operating well. Bureau Report