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The sixth orbiter into space, as part of its satellite navigation and positioning network known as Beidou, or Compass system, is launched on the Long March-3C carrier rocket at Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Nov. 1, 2010. (Xinhua Photo) |
China early Monday morning successfully launched its sixth orbiter which will form part of its indigenous satellite-navigation and -positioning network. A Long March-3C carrier rocket carrying the "Beidou," or Compass, navigation satellite took off at 0:26 a.m. Monday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province. It will join five other satellites already in orbit to form a network which will eventually consist of 35 satellites. The network will provide satellite navigation services for Asia-Pacific regions by 2012 and global services by 2020. The China Academy of Space Technology developed the satellite and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology developed the carrier rocket. |