China launches third generation navigation satellites in global expansion bid
567 views · Published 24 November 2018 · 6:41 · Indexed 4 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(19 Nov 2018) LEADIN: China has successfully launched its latest generation satellites into space. They are part of a wider plan to reduce reliance on US-designed systems and expand its growing aerospace needs outside its borders. STORYLINE: A pair of China's latest navigation satellites launch into space. The two third-generation "Beidou" navigation satellites are being propelled into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, in Sichuan province. They are set to join 17 already-orbiting satellites in China's Beidou-3 system, a homegrown global navigation and positioning network that is seeking to move away from the US-based Global Positioning System, widely known as GPS. The new system will eventually consist of a constellation of 30 satellites providing real-time geospatial information worldwide by 2020. The latest generation satellites represent an upgrade from the Chinese government's older systems, the Beidou-1 and Beidou-2. They have an enhanced ability to communicate with other satellite navigation systems, as well as sharper locationing abilities and greater globe coverage. "In terms of positioning accuracy, our best positioning accuracy can now reach 2.5 metres to 5 metres," says Ran Chengqi, Director General of China Satellite Navigation Office. Older generation systems had an accuracy range of 5 to 10 metres, he says. The higher precision demands of 5G technology are crucial for China's initiatives in cutting-edge technology, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, adds Ran. With Monday's launch (19th November 2018), the system is on track to begin operating before the end of this year. The new network is expected to provide monitoring and safety information along the nation's multinational infrastructure megaproject, the Belt and Road initiative. "After we get these 19 satellites, we will have the basic conditions in place to provide services globally. And can say we have completed construction of the basic system. Then we'll provide our new improved Beidou 3 services first to countries participating in the Belt and Road initiative," says Ran. The satellites were launched by China's Long March 3B rocket, which included an "Expedition-1" upper stage that allows the rocket to deliver payloads to medium Earth orbit. It is also able launch multiple satellites in one mission, saving time and money. "If we adopted the method of sending up satellites one by one, and we sent up each of these Beidou satellites up one at a time, for over 30 satellites total, this will take a long time," says Hu Wei, Director Designer of Long March Rockets. Engineers lauded the new system as being entirely developed within China – a big step forward for Beijing's burgeoning aerospace ambitions. "In Beidou-2, some key components were still equipped with some foreign products," the system's chief designer Xie Jun says. "Now, with the Beidou-3, all these hundreds of components on all of the satellites are developed, designed, and produced by China's own research units." Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/75983e267a79c9d9e2923be435202c5a
