Beijing, September 19, 2024 – China has successfully launched its59th and 60th BeiDou navigation satellites, marking another milestone in the country’s ambitious space program. The launch took place at 9:14 am local time on September 19th from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province, using a Long March 3B carrier rocket anda Far-reaching No. 1 upper stage.
The two newly launched satellites are both medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, making them the second batch of MEO satellites launched after the completion and commissioning of China’s BeiDou-3 global navigation system. Upon entering orbit and completing on-orbit testing, they will be integrated into the BeiDou satellite navigation system.
This launch marks a significant step towards enhancing the reliability and performance of the BeiDou-3 system. The new satellites feature upgraded on-board atomic clocks and advanced inter-satellite link terminals. These upgrades will further improve the system’s positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities, as well as its global short message communication services.
Beyond bolstering the stability and scalability of the BeiDou-3 system, the newly launched satellites willserve as testbeds for next-generation BeiDou navigation satellite technology. This includes exploring new technologies and functionalities for future iterations of the system.
The launch of these two satellites marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to build a more comprehensive, integrated, and intelligent integrated space-time system by 2035, stated an official from the China Satellite Navigation System Management Office. We will continue to accelerate the development of the next generation of BeiDou system and intensify research and development of non-satellite-dependent positioning, navigation, and timing methods.
The newly launched BeiDou navigation satellites and the supporting carrier rocket were developed by the ChineseAcademy of Sciences’ Microsatellite Innovation Research Institute and the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, respectively. This launch marks the 535th flight of the Long March series of carrier rockets.
The successful launch of these two satellites further solidifies China’s position as a global leader in satellite navigation technology. TheBeiDou system, now a fully operational global navigation system, provides essential services for a wide range of applications, including transportation, agriculture, disaster relief, and scientific research.
China’s continued investment in space exploration and satellite technology demonstrates its commitment to technological innovation and its ambition to play a leading role in the global spaceeconomy. The successful launch of the 59th and 60th BeiDou navigation satellites is a testament to the country’s technological prowess and its dedication to advancing its space program.
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