Beidou is the first in a series of satellites for a system that will provide all-weather, round-the-clock navigation information for highways, railways and shipping. The satellite was developed by China's Research Institute of Space Technology. No information was provided on how many other satellites China intends to launch for the system or when the network will be operational. China is concerned about becoming too dependent on foreign technology. Beidou is the Chinese name for the constellation which many westerner's refer to as Ursa Major.