BeiDou-3 continues journey to homegrown satellite system

China is independently producing key parts of BeiDou-3 satellites and user devices, exploring a way to bring significant projects under control, Ma Jiaqing, deputy director of the China Satellite Navigation Office, said on Monday.

Chinese engineers have enhanced application verification measures to test the reliability of the satellite's board, components and devices, as well as its usability in space, Ma said.

This is concurrent with the use of domestic-made components in the satellites to build an independent satellite navigation system operated wholly within the country, he said.

Engineers also made breakthroughs in device chips and modules, with demonstration programs to enlarge user scope of chips, modules and software products, he said.

The efficiency of the chips, modules and software products has advanced many times, Ma said.

BeiDou-3 satellite has reached higher accuracy in positioning to within 2.5 to 5 meters — an improvement over the BeiDou-2 satellite, with an accuracy to within 6 meters.

China sent twin BeiDou-3 navigation satellites into space on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province on Monday.

They are the 39th and 40th of the BeiDou navigation project, and the 15th and 16th satellites of the BeiDou-3 system.

According to the overall plan, three more Beidou-3 satellites will be sent into space to form a basic system to provide services for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative by the end of the year.

China has taken one step further on its goal of offering first-class services around the globe by 2020. BeiDou now covers more than 50 countries with a total population of more than three billion.

Designed by China, the BeiDou navigation satellite system aims to provide all-time, all-weather and high-accuracy positioning, navigation and timing services to national and global users.