Foreign media: China is upgrading its independently developed Beidou Satellite Navigation System to expand its global influence.
This upgrade will reduce the number of satellites in orbit from 50 to 37, primarily consisting of third-generation BDS-3 satellites, which offer superior accuracy and communication capabilities compared to older models, while phasing out 13 BDS-2 satellites. In the new constellation, most satellites will operate in medium Earth orbit to achieve global coverage, five will be deployed in inclined geosynchronous orbits to enhance signal reliability at high latitudes, four will be positioned in geostationary orbit to cover key regions along the Belt and Road Initiative, with an additional five slots reserved for future expansion.
Beidou has already secured a dominant position in the Chinese market and is deeply integrated into domestic infrastructure. Beijing is now promoting its internationalization to provide an alternative to GPS and the European Galileo system.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861555785575817/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.