GPS World

Tag: Long March 3B rocket

  • China adds two more satellites to BeiDou constellation

    China adds two more satellites to BeiDou constellation

    Photo: Xinhua News Agency
    Photo: Xinhua News Agency

    China has launched two more BeiDou III satellites. The launch took place on Sunday, Sept. 22, using a Long March 3B rocket which lifted off from the Xichang space center at 2110 GMT (5:10 p.m. EDT), according to the Xinhua News Agency.

    The satellites have been confirmed as MEO23 and MEO24.

    About four hours after liftoff, the upper stage delivered the Beidou satellites into a nearly circular orbit with an average altitude of 13,500 miles (21,800 kilometers) and an inclination of 55 degrees.

    The satellites were produced by the China Academy of Space Technology, a government-owned satellite builder.

    With Sunday’s launch, China has added five new satellites to the Beidou network this year, halfway to its stated goal of 10 Beidou satellites this year.

    The satellites are the 47th and 48th spacecraft launched in the Beidou navigation program.

    Feature photo: Xinhua News Agency

  • China launches pair of BeiDou-3 satellites into orbit

    China launches pair of BeiDou-3 satellites into orbit

    China successfully launched a pair of BeiDou-3 navigation satellites into medium Earth orbits on Oct. 15, according to GB Times.

    Four hours after the launch, the two satellites were inserted into their intended orbits, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).  The satellites, numbered M15 and M16, are the 39th and 40th launched as part of China’s Beidou system, following the launch of the first in 2000.

    Another pair of BeiDou satellites is expected to be launched in November, according to Richard Langley’s Upcoming Satellite Launches.

    Liftoff of the Long March 3B rocket sending the Beidou-3 M15 and M15 satellites into orbit. (Photo: CALT)
    Liftoff of the Long March 3B rocket sending the Beidou-3 M15 and M16 satellites into orbit. (Photo: CALT)

    For the Oct. 15 launch, a Long March 3B rocket with a Yuanzheng-1 upper stage lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest China at 04:23 universal time (12:23 local, 00:23 Eastern).

    The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), which developed the Long March 3B rocket, reported that data logging and active tracking equipment was placed aboard for tests to determine to altitude and timing for future parachute landings for boosters.

    Expended rocket boosters frequently land in or near populated areas downrange of Xichang. The trial phase of parachute booster landings is expected in 2019.