China Launched Eight Navigational and Positioning Satellite

Early Sunday, China successfully launched its eighth orbiter of the Beidou system. It marks the establishment of a basic system for the navigation and positioning network. But how will the system pave the way for China's space exploration project?

Another journey into the space.

As the flaming tail disappears into the sky, came the rise of China's navigation network, Beidou.

The rising star will join seven other satellites already in orbit to form a network which will eventually provide navigation and positioning services around the globe.

The project started in 2000, when the first two Beidou satellites were launched into geostationary orbit.

Now, as the project proceeds, the pioneers are going to retire.

Guo Shuren, Deputy Director of Office for China Satellite Navigation Management said "The first two satellites are for testing only. The current navigation and positioning service will mainly be provided by the other six satellites."

After a period of adjustment, Beidou will start featuring services of navigation, timing, and positioning covering China around the clock.

Unlike the US GPS system it can also provide a text message communication system.

Sun Jiadong, Chief Designer of Beidou Navigation Satellite System said "The main feature of Beidou is that it can deliver messages. In other words, if I pick up a cell phone and communicate with Beidou, it can give me my position."

To complete a regional network to provide navigation services with high precision and credibility, China will launch more satellites within the coming two years.

The network is scheduled to provide global services by 2020.

It is hoped that with systems made in China, the country will be able to map the world.

Source: Xinhua via GPS Daily