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Beidou

Satellite_ESA_011522A
[Satellite - The European Space Agency (ESA)]
 

- Overview

BeiDou (BDS) is China's independent global navigation satellite system, offering worldwide coverage and particularly high accuracy in the Asia-Pacific region, with capabilities like short message communication and a hybrid constellation for enhanced performance, challenging GPS's dominance and supporting China's tech self-sufficiency. 

In essence, BeiDou serves as a robust, independent alternative/complement to GPS, offering unique features and strong regional performance.  

1. Key Features & Strengths:

  • Global Coverage: Fully operational globally since 2020, providing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services.
  • Asia-Pacific Advantage: Offers superior accuracy (2-3.6m) in the Asia-Pacific compared to its global accuracy (around 10m), benefiting from its constellation design.
  • Hybrid Constellation: Uses satellites in multiple orbits (MEO, GEO, IGSO), providing better performance in low latitudes and challenging environments.
  • Integrated Communication: Unique short-message communication allows users to send texts via satellite, even without a mobile signal.
  • High-Precision Services: Offers enhanced accuracy for military and specialized applications, with some reports citing sub-meter precision.

 

2. Development & Goals:

  • Independence: Developed as a strategic national asset, reducing reliance on other systems like GPS.
  • Global Expansion: A key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, extending services and influence.
  • Commercial Integration: Widely used in smartphones, smart devices, and various industries.

 
Please refer to the following for more information: 

 

[More to come ...]

 

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