China Launches Second Navigation Satellite

A Long March 3A launched Beidou 2, a Chinese navigation satellite, from Xichang, pad LC1, at 1620 UTC on December 20. The satellite will be located in geostationary orbit at 80°E. 

Beidou 2 is the second in China's new geo-based navigation satellite system that will provide all-weather, round-the-clock navigation information for highways, railways and shipping. It is believed this launch completes the satellite network. The satellite was developed by China's Research Institute of Space Technology. The 2200 kg (4849 lbm) satellite is based on the DFH-3 bus. 

Beidou joins a U.S. navigation system called Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian's operate a system called Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). 

Beidou is the Chinese name for the constellation which many westerner's refer to as Ursa Major.

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