China sets to build next-generation BeiDou system

BEIJING -- China is planning to develop its next-generation BeiDou system, which will be technologically more advanced and functionally more powerful, and offer higher quality services.

Three experimental satellites of this navigation system are scheduled for launch around 2027, while network deployment will begin by about 2029 and will be completed by 2035.

China is targeting the achievement of critical technological advancements by 2025, as shown by a report released on Thursday at a symposium to mark the 30th anniversary of the construction of the country's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).

The next-generation BeiDou system will deliver real-time, highly accurate navigation, positioning and timing with precision levels ranging from meters to decimeters, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

It will be characterized by precision and trustworthiness, seamless accessibility, intelligent capabilities, networked integration and adaptable flexibility, said Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the BDS.

Also, the system will provide comprehensive coverage to user terminals spanning from the Earth's surface to the depths of space.

The Chinese-made BDS was initiated in 1994. The construction of BDS-1 and BDS-2 was completed in 2000 and 2012, respectively. When BDS-3 was completed and put into service on July 31, 2020, China became the third country to have an independent global navigation satellite system.

The hybrid orbital constellation of BDS stands out as a "Chinese solution" compared to other global satellite navigation systems that utilize a single orbital constellation configuration.

BDS-3 consists of 24 medium Earth orbit satellites, three geostationary Earth orbit satellites and three inclined geosynchronous satellite orbit ones, setting a new standard for global satellite navigation systems.

The next-generation BDS will "optimize the constellation structure to form a mixed constellation of high, medium and low Earth orbits," according to Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of the BDS.

It will also feature an integrated and efficient ground infrastructure, ensuring flexible resource allocation, data sharing and uninterrupted operations.

The BDS services and related products have been exported to more than 130 countries, providing users with diversified choices and better application experience, and promoting industrial development, according to a bluebook released in October.