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.
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.
