Full Text: China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
The State Council Information Office has released a white paper on China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, or BDS. The homegrown orbital network aims to provide global services by 2020.
Eyeing to provide continuous, stable and reliable services for global users. China is building a world-class navigation satellite network. The Beidou System has been independently built and operated by China. The development of the system follows a three-phase strategy.
The Phase-I began with the building of BDS-1 in 1994. The system was completed and put into operation in 2000, with the launch of two geostationary earth orbit satellites. It began to provide services to the whole country by the end of the year 2000.
The Phase-II started in 2004. 8 years later at the end of 2012, a total of 14 satellites had been launched. Services were provided to users in the Asia-Pacific region.
Building the global BDS network is the Phase-III or the final project. Beginning in 2009, the final project aims to provide basic services to countries along the 'Belt and Road Initiative' network, and in neighboring regions by 2018. 35 satellites are expected to be launched by 2020 to provide services to global users.
The BDS network integrates navigation and communication capabilities for the first time. It has five major functions, including real-time navigation, rapid positioning, precise timing, location reporting and short message communication services.
Along with the development of the project and service ability, related products have been widely applied in many fields, such as transportation, marine fisheries, weather forecasting and emergency search and rescue.
The white paper says China will push forward the international development of the BDS. It will strengthen compatibility and joint applications with other navigation satellite systems, and promote the ratification of the BDS by international standards.
China also actively participates in international satellite navigation affairs and supports academic exchanges and cooperation in the field. 'Developed by China and dedicated to the world'. The white paper says China will work together with other countries, regions and international organizations to promote global satellite navigation development and make the BDS better serve the world and benefit mankind.