China's third Beidou navigation and positioning satellite was
successfully positioned over the equator and came into
earth-synchronous orbit early Tuesday morning.
Experts said the satellite had operated continuously for 220 hours,
during which time the Xi'an satellite monitoring center had been
searching and controlling it and helping it complete several
actions.
China sent the first two Beidou navigation satellites into orbit on
Oct. 31 and Dec. 21 of 2000, respectively. Aerospace experts said
the three satellites have formed a complete satellite navigation
and positioning system, which will help to ensure all-weather
navigation and positioning information.
The navigation system, which serves as a radio beacon in outer
space, can help subscribers know their location at any time and
place with accurate longitude, latitude and altitude data.
(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2003)