The Xichang launch centre announced that China has put into orbit two satellites, on Monday at 4:50 am, local time. They are the 12th and 13th units of the Beidou positioning and navigation network.
It was the first launch of its type by China, but according to reports, not the last either. These two satellites are intended to help the Beidou network (COMPASS system), making their data more accurate, but should be followed this year by three others.
The long term goal is to put together a worldwide GPS and GLONASS type navigation network, by launching a total of 30 satellites before 2020.
The mission was the 160th of China's Long March space program.
Source: China Daily
It was the first launch of its type by China, but according to reports, not the last either. These two satellites are intended to help the Beidou network (COMPASS system), making their data more accurate, but should be followed this year by three others.
The long term goal is to put together a worldwide GPS and GLONASS type navigation network, by launching a total of 30 satellites before 2020.
The mission was the 160th of China's Long March space program.
Source: China Daily