Beijing, June 04: China`s third strategic navigation and positioning satellite has been successfully positioned over the equator and came into Earth-synchronous orbit yesterday, the state media reported today. Experts said that the all-weather satellite, launched on May 25, had operated continuously for 220 hours, during which time the Xi`an satellite monitoring centre in northwest China had been searching and controlling it and helping it complete several manoeuvres.

China sent the first two `beidou` navigation satellites into orbit on October 31 and December 21 of 2000, respectively.

Chinese aerospace experts said the three satellites have formed a complete satellite navigation and positioning system, which will help to ensure all-weather navigation and positioning information.
The China-made 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.
Bureau Report