China: 8th orbiter important for Beidou navigation satellite network

 

April 11

 

Sunday's launch puts the final touches on the basic Beidou navigation satellite network. The eighth Beidou orbiter benefits from the advanced technologies used in the previous seven satellites. The successful launch of this orbiter marks a new chapter in China's history of navigation technology.

A symbolic milestone in the creation of the Beidou navigation satellite network.

 

After the successful launch, the navigation system will provide services for mapping, transport, meteorology and telecommunication industries in the Asia Pacific region.

 

As opposed to the practice of setting up a traditional satellite, staff working on the Beidou focus more on assessing the network as a whole.

 

In this way, the launch of the eighth orbiter enables staff to get a comprehensive evaluation of the network.

 

Guo Shuren, China Satellite Navigation Management Office said "After the launch, we will have an all-round assessment on the design of the navigation network. As a result, we can ensure the future plan of the network, and make necessary improvements if possible."

 

The orbiter launched on Sunday is an Inclined Orbit satellite. Identical to two of the seven orbiters launched during the past four years.

 

According to the design of the navigation system, three Inclined Orbit satellites and three Geostationary Earth Orbits can cover the whole of China as well as the Asian Pacific Region.

 

Experts say feedback from the seven previous satellites has provided precious information on improving the function of the eighth orbiter.

Guo Shuren said "This orbiter embodies the latest technology of the navigation satellite network. Its function is much better than the previous seven ones, so we can say we have made a lot of progress so far."

 

Looking to the future, a global navigation system comprised of more than 30 satellites will be in place by 2020.

 

Experts say the future is bright for the further completion of the Beidou navigation satellite network with more and more fields set to benefit from this advanced technology.