While India could launch its satellite navigation system in less than two years, the Peoples Republic of China sees itself owning and operating one in the year 2015. In such event, China will materialize the plan to complete its system called COMPASS satellite which will then be independent of foreign technology. For many years now, China has remained relying on the US-developed Global Positioning System, such that completing their own project could mean severing their ties to the US in terms of needing the GPS services.
Earlier this year, satellite dishes in Beijing launched the second navigational satellite which will be followed by 30 more orbiters until 2015. The system will then comprise the nation’s global positioning network called the Beidou Navigation System. The first COMPASS satellite was launched in April 2007, following four other earlier experimental satellites for the past decades.
The launch of COMPASS satellite will mean the Chinese will now have a system to provide them with services for transportation and meteorology. It is also targeted to be the major mover and source of information regarding petroleum prospecting for the country’s oil industry, and for telecommunications, public security and disaster forecasting. More so, China’s space administration reports that the system will further render a more advanced technology for its clients as far as location and navigation is concerned. The reports further stated the technology will provide accurate longitude, latitude and altitude information, along with much safer positioning, velocity and timing communications for its users.
The COMPASS satellite is expected to be at par with the US-developed global positioning system, and that of the European Union’s Galileo Positioning System. The Chinese government is also looking into developing the COMPASS to rival the GLONASS of Russia, and definitely surpass the same technology currently being developed by India.
For other information related to China’s GPS endeavors, click here physorg.com
And also at spacedaily.com