China has successfully launched 20th new generation
satellite into space as part of its domestic BeiDou Navigation System (BDS). It
was launched using Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch
Center in the south-western province of Sichuan. The 20th new generation
satellite has been incorporated with a Hydrogen Atomic Clock which provides most
accurate time and frequency standards known compared to primary standards for
international time distribution services. About BeiDou Satellite Navigation
System BeiDou is 2nd generation of the Chinese navigational system seen as
rival to the US’s Global Positioning System (GPS). It should be noted the
BeiDou is Mandarin means magnetic Compass which was one of the Chinese major
invention in the history which had revolutionized the sea voyages. The system
comprises constellation of total 35 satellites in two separate satellite
constellations viz. limited test system (operational since 2000) and a
full-scale global navigation system which is currently under construction. The
BDS became operational in China in December 2011, with the constellation of 10
satellites.
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