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China launches 2nd navigation satellite

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-04-16 10:52

China

has successfully launched the country's second navigation satellite. Wednesday's launch is part of the country's efforts to develop an independent global satellite navigation system.

The carrier rocket, Long March 3-C, blasted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan Province shortly after midnight on Tuesday.

The system is code named "COMPASS". It will be a crucial part of China's space infrastructure, providing navigation and positioning services for various sectors.

 It will also be used for monitoring forest fire and forecasting disasters as well as for telecommunications and public security.

The successful launch of the geo-stationary Earth orbit satellite puts into orbit a second Chinese navigation satellite that is independent of foreign technology.China launched the first "Compass" navigation satellite into geostationary orbit two years ago.