Another BeiDou launch adds to China’s constellation
China launched two more BeiDou satellites on Aug. 25. (Photo: CCTV)
China successfully sent twin BeiDou navigation satellites into space on Aug. 25, aboard a single carrier rocket, according to news reports. The satellites are numbers 35 and 36 in the BeiDou navigation constellation.
Only a few weeks ago, China launched another pair of BeiDou-3 navigation satellites.
The Long March-3B carrier rocket lifted off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province at 7:52 a.m. local time.
This was China’s 23rd orbital launch this year, surpassing the national record of 22 launches set in 2016. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the main contractor for the space program, is planning on 35 launches this year.
China launched two more BeiDou satellites on Aug. 25. (Photo: CCTV via Weibo)
About the Author: Tracy Cozzens
Senior Editor Tracy Cozzens joined GPS World magazine in 2006. She also is editor of GPS World’s newsletters and the sister website Geospatial Solutions. She has worked in government, for non-profits, and in corporate communications, editing a variety of publications for audiences ranging from federal government contractors to teachers.
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