2nd satellite joints navigation system

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-16-2009 11:07

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China launched its second navigation satellite on Wednesday. It's part of plans to build a 35-satellite global network for China's Beidou navigation system.

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the carrier rocket Long March 3-C blasted off from the  Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province.

Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the carrier rocket Long March 3-C blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province. The Beidou system is code named "COMPASS".

The successful launch of the geo-stationary Earth orbit satellite puts into orbit a second Chinese navigation satellite that is independent of foreign technology.

China created an experimental navigation system years ago, but with limited coverage. It's now developing a truly global one.

The latest Beidou system consists of 35 satellites. The first satellite was put into orbit two years ago. Ten more navigation satellites are scheduled to go into space within the next two years.

China is expected to build a navigation system covering the entire country as well as neighboring regions by 2011.