China Unveils Plans for Next-Generation BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: China has announced plans to develop its next-generation BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), promising cutting-edge advancements and enhanced functionality to deliver superior services. The ambitious project was unveiled during a symposium marking the 30th anniversary of the BeiDou system’s inception.

The upgraded BDS will feature real-time, highly accurate navigation, positioning, and timing capabilities with precision levels ranging from meters to decimeters. The system will be characterized by precision, trustworthiness, seamless accessibility, intelligent functionality, networked integration, and adaptable flexibility, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

To achieve these goals, China plans to launch three experimental satellites by 2027, with full-scale network deployment starting around 2029. Completion is targeted for 2035. The nation aims to achieve critical technological milestones by 2025, as outlined in a recently released report.

The next-generation system will incorporate a hybrid orbital constellation, optimizing high, medium, and low Earth orbits for improved performance. This advanced structure builds upon the innovative “Chinese solution” employed in the current BDS-3 system, which includes 24 medium Earth orbit satellites, three geostationary satellites, and three inclined geosynchronous satellites.

In addition to technological upgrades, the system will feature a robust ground infrastructure to ensure efficient resource allocation, data sharing, and uninterrupted operations. It will provide comprehensive coverage for user terminals, extending from the Earth’s surface to outer space.

Since its initiation in 1994, the BeiDou system has undergone three phases of development, with BDS-3 becoming operational on July 31, 2020. This milestone established China as the third country with an independent global navigation satellite system.

The BDS has gained significant global reach, with its services and products exported to over 130 countries. These exports have promoted industrial development and offered diversified solutions for users worldwide. The next-generation BeiDou system is poised to set new benchmarks in satellite navigation, reinforcing China’s leadership in space technology.