China launches new BeiDou-3 navigation satellites into orbit
Authored By Wion Web Desk
Published: Aug 24, 2018, 20:41 IST | Updated: Aug 24, 2018, 20:41 IST
Beidou navigation satellite
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The twin satellites blasted off on a Long March-3B carrier rocket at 7:52 local time and entered the designated orbit after flying for more than three hours.
China sent its 35th and 36th Beidou navigation satellites into orbit from southwest China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center on Saturday.
The twin satellites blasted off on a Long March-3B carrier rocket at 7:52 local time and entered the designated orbit after flying for more than three hours. They are the 11th and 12th satellites of the BeiDou-3 network project.
The newly launched satellites will run tests and evaluations and network with other 10 BeiDou-3 satellites to provide services in due time.
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According to the plan, another six are scheduled to be launched by the end of this year. A complete 35-satellite network allowing for global coverage will be in place by 2020.