Chinese version of GPS successfully launched the last satellite

On June 23, China succeeded in launching the last satellite that constitutes the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. This makes it possible for China to operate a location information system that does not rely on GPS operated by the United States.

GPS is synonymous with a location information system installed on a smartphone or PC for granted. But in reality, what the US developed for military use is a system that is open for civilian use. Therefore, China, which is struggling for military supremacy with the United States, has built its own positioning system centering on the satellite Vaedou to counter the United States.

Beidou 1, which began operation in 2000, was originally intended to cover only a small part of China and surrounding areas with four satellites, but China will expand it to cover the entire planet. And at 10:43 on June 23, the Changjeong 3 B Rocket, equipped with 55 BDS satellites, was launched at the Sichang Satellite Launch Center.

This launch was originally scheduled for the 16th, but was postponed to the 23rd due to technical problems. It is said that the plan to start BDS operation targeting 2020 will also be realized half a year earlier. The last BDS satellite has successfully reached satellite orbit, and the BDS, which selects the optimal 35 from a total of 55 satellites, is expected to be fully operational.

The Chinese side stressed that the success of the launch means that China has transformed from a major space country into a true space power. In addition, military experts said the BDS will contribute to the Chinese military capabilities, and the accurate self-location information system will smoother troop deployment and rear support as Chinese missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and other vehicles use proprietary technology without signal loss.

Vaderu is the third global navigation satellite system after US GPS and Russian GLONASS. Of course, the EU is also aiming to launch Galileo, the fourth global navigation satellite system, in 2020. Related information can be found here .