Maintained by:
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Beidou System
China saw out calendar year 2012 with an announcement that the Beidou navigation system was fully tested and complete for the Asia-Pacific region and was providing a full service.
Development Series 2000-2007
The main characteristic of the development satellites was that they had no onboard clock and had to pick up a time signal from the ground. Alternatively, users could use a secondary time source to combine with the navigation signal for positional calculation.
Of the development satellites, Beidou 1D (2007-003A/30323) was retired early 2009 as the early operational satellites came on stream, possibly indicating that its navigation payload was no longer functioning. It remained at 144° east for all of its life, not quite the 140° longitude of the standard location.
Of the others, Beidou 1A (2000-069A/26599) and Beidou 1B (2000-082A/26643) remained on station, supplementing the operational satellites, until late 2011 when they moved to graveyard orbit. By then, several operational satellites were in use.
Beidou 1C (2003-021A/27813) seems to been in use until mid-2012 when it was moved from 110° east, where it had been since launch, to 86°C east. It remained there until 2012 December when it too was moved to a graveyard orbit. Beidou 4 (2010-024A/36590), an operational satellite, took over the station.
Regional Satellites 2007-12
 Of the operational satellites, Beidou 2/G2 (2009-018A/34779) was never used at a fixed location. It drifted from place to place round the geosyschronous arc, occasionally settling down and then moving on. Two possibilities come to mind in that it may all along have been a test vehicle for use away from the Asia-Pacific region. Alternatively it may have suffered degradation of its navigation signal, making it useless for full operation, so it could have been relegated to an engineering test role.
With the 2012 announcement, that the regional constellation, covering the Asia-Pacific area, was complete it contained vehicles in a combination of true geosynchronous orbit and 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit. The 20,000 kilometre circular MEO at 55° inclination was also in use but it was probably as a precursor to rolling-out global coverage.
Global System 2015-2020
China's next move was to be enhancement of the constellation to give full global coverage, to place it on a par with GPS and GLONASS. The aim is to complete this by 2020.
Rollout consists of a mixture of new satellites (Phase 3) in MEO and replenishments of the inclined GEO element of the constellation using second generation satellites. Once completed, the true GEO satellites may be phased out.
The following table lists all launches in connection development and operation of the Beidou space segment. Published locations for the geosynchronous Beidou satellites are (all easterly): 80°, 110°.5, 140° and 160°.
2000-069 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2000 Oct 30, 16:02 |
Beidou-1 01 2000-069A 26599 |
in space
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Developmental satellite in geosynchronous orbit for China's navigation satellite system. It differs from the operational satellites by not having an onboard clock, and relaying time information from the ground. Moved to graveyard orbit 2011 Dec. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2000 Oct 30, 22:58 | 27410 | 0.7610 | 174 | 41890 | 752.71 | 24.98 | 180 | | | 2000 Nov 09, 18:00 | 42165 | 0.0003 | 35772 | 35802 | 1436.12 | 0.17 | 154 | 140° east | | 2011 Nov 20, 17:17 | 42166 | 0.0004 | 35771 | 35805 | 1436.16 | 2.67 | 158 | 58° east | | 2011 Dec 21, 00:50 | 42551 | 0.0019 | 36093 | 36252 | 1455.87 | 3.22 | 244 | 82° west | | 2016 Mar 28, 18:03 | 42551 | 0.0011 | 36127 | 36218 | 1455.85 | 6.37 | 301 | 174° west | | |
2000-082 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2000 Dec 20, 16:20 |
Beidou-1 02 2000-082A 26643 |
in space
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Developmental satellite in geosynchronous orbit for China's navigation satellite system. It differs from the operational satellites by not having an onboard clock, and relaying time information from the ground. Moved to graveyard orbit 2011 Dec. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2000 Dec 21, 04:58 | 27368 | 0.7597 | 198 | 41781 | 750.96 | 25.02 | 180 | | | 2000 Dec 27, 22:33 | 42164 | 0.0002 | 35776 | 35796 | 1436.06 | 0.12 | 163 | 80° east | | 2011 Nov 20, 20:05 | 42165 | 0.0001 | 35782 | 35792 | 1436.12 | 4.12 | 188 | 80° east | | 2011 Dec 18, 03:23 | 42450 | 0.0022 | 35979 | 36166 | 1450.71 | 4.21 | 286 | 10° west | | |
2003-021 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2003 May 24, 16:34 |
Beidou-1 03 2003-021A 27813 |
in space
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Developmental satellite in geosynchronous orbit for China's navigation satellite system. It differs from the operational satellites by not having an onboard clock, and relaying time information from the ground. 2012 Jun-Jul: moved to 86° east prior to re-location of Beidou 4 (2010-024A/36590) in the opposite direction. Moved to graveyard orbit 2012 Dec after arrival on station of Beidou 16 (2012-057A/38953). |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2003 May 25, 08:02 | 27330 | 0.7593 | 199 | 41704 | 749.40 | 25.06 | 180 | | | 2003 Jun 04, 18:16 | 42165 | 0.0008 | 35751 | 35822 | 1436.09 | 0.29 | 37 | 111° east | | 2011 Nov 20, 18:06 | 42164 | 0.0006 | 35760 | 35813 | 1436.08 | 1.06 | 18 | 111° east | | 2012 Apr 09, 22:09 | 42165 | 0.0013 | 35733 | 35841 | 1436.10 | 1.38 | 356 | 111° east | | 2012 Jul 06, 21:57 | 42167 | 0.0001 | 35783 | 35794 | 1436.19 | 1.59 | 330 | 85° east | | 2012 Oct 05, 20:03 | 42166 | 0.0003 | 35776 | 35800 | 1436.17 | 1.78 | 156 | 86° east | | 2012 Dec 14, 22:17 | 42205 | 0.0005 | 35806 | 35848 | 1438.16 | 1.94 | 234 | 80° east | | 2012 Dec 28, 19:57 | 42263 | 0.0000 | 35884 | 35886 | 1441.13 | 1.97 | 258 | 67° east | | |
2007-003 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2007 Feb 2, 16:28 |
Beidou-1 04 2007-003A 30323 |
in space
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Developmental satellite in geosynchronous orbit for China's navigation satellite system. It differs from the operational satellites by not having an onboard clock, and relaying time information from the ground. Moved to graveyard orbit 2009 Feb. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2007 Feb 03, 19:29 | 27361 | 0.7599 | 192 | 41775 | 750.70 | 25.00 | 180 | | | 2007 Apr 30, 05:33 | 42165 | 0.0108 | 35332 | 36242 | 1436.12 | 6.30 | 276 | 144° east | | 2009 Feb 18, 06:54 | 42164 | 0.0123 | 35269 | 36303 | 1436.05 | 4.68 | 304 | 144° east | | 2009 Feb 20, 17:06 | 42416 | 0.0092 | 35647 | 36428 | 1448.93 | 4.65 | 325 | 138° east | | |
2007-011 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2007 Apr 13, 20:11 |
Beidou-1S M-1S 2007-011A 31115 |
in space
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In orbit validation satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system in MEO. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2007 Apr 14, 06:08 | 17240 | 0.6185 | 198 | 21526 | 375.46 | 55.03 | 174 | | | 2007 Apr 19, 08:46 | 27910 | 0.0005 | 21518 | 21545 | 773.38 | 55.26 | 184 | | | 2011 Nov 20, 09:21 | 27910 | 0.0008 | 21511 | 21554 | 773.40 | 56.60 | 192 | | | |
2009-018 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2009 Apr 14, 16:16 |
Beidou-2 G-2 2009-018A 34779 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. Entered GEO near 85° east but then drifted westward along the geosynchronous arc. It returned to 85° east during 2011 but was allowed to drift further, indicating that the navigation payload was not fully functional - relegating it to a test mode. It may have been used as a test vehicle for navigation in regions away from the Asia-Pacific region. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2009 Apr 15, 02:50 | 24411 | 0.7301 | 210 | 35857 | 632.63 | 20.53 | 180 | | | 2009 May 02, 18:38 | 42165 | 0.0003 | 35775 | 35798 | 1436.09 | 0.94 | 105 | 85° east | | 2009 Oct 29, 21:46 | 42172 | 0.0001 | 35791 | 35798 | 1436.48 | 0.51 | 91 | 75° east | | 2010 May 02, 15:08 | 42165 | 0.0003 | 35775 | 35799 | 1436.11 | 0.09 | 7 | 64° east | | 2010 Sep 08, 22:41 | 42135 | 0.0047 | 35561 | 35953 | 1434.57 | 0.29 | 158 | 73° east | | 2011 Nov 21, 14:11 | 42193 | 0.0051 | 35600 | 36031 | 1437.56 | 1.31 | 160 | 84° east | | 2012 Oct 17, 01:38 | 42163 | 0.0057 | 35544 | 36026 | 1436.02 | 2.04 | 166 | 20° east | | 2016 Mar 28, 11:23 | 42135 | 0.0090 | 35378 | 36136 | 1434.58 | 4.55 | 194 | 65° east | | |
2010-001 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2010 Jan 16, 16:12 |
Beidou-2 G-1 2010-001A 36287 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2010 Jan 17, 08:16 | 24279 | 0.7295 | 189 | 35613 | 627.48 | 20.44 | 180 | | | 2010 Jan 25, 16:49 | 42164 | 0.0044 | 35600 | 35972 | 1436.08 | 1.83 | 230 | 160° east | | 2011 Nov 22, 09:49 | 42166 | 0.0003 | 35776 | 35799 | 1436.14 | 1.51 | 192 | 140° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 21:33 | 42164 | 0.0003 | 35775 | 35797 | 1436.07 | 1.59 | 189 | 140° east | | |
2010-024 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2010 Jun 2, 15:53 |
Beidou-2 G-3 2010-024A 36590 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. Moved to 110° east 2012 Nov to replace Beidou 1C (2003-021A/27813). |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2010 Jun 03, 02:29 | 24314 | 0.7291 | 209 | 35663 | 628.85 | 20.54 | 180 | | | 2010 Jun 11, 20:15 | 42164 | 0.0002 | 35778 | 35795 | 1436.08 | 1.82 | 196 | 85° east | | 2011 Nov 22, 16:16 | 42164 | 0.0001 | 35781 | 35792 | 1436.07 | 1.17 | 243 | 84° east | | 2012 Nov 07, 15:48 | 42041 | 0.0002 | 35653 | 35673 | 1429.80 | 1.23 | 185 | 86° east | | 2012 Nov 23, 23:11 | 42164 | 0.0003 | 35772 | 35799 | 1436.04 | 1.25 | 293 | 110° east | | 2016 Mar 30, 00:37 | 42166 | 0.0003 | 35773 | 35802 | 1436.15 | 1.52 | 301 | 111° east | | |
2010-036 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2010 Jul 31, 21:30 |
Beidou-2 IGEO-1 2010-036A 36828 |
in space
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Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region. Orbit is inclined at 55° to provide northerly coverage. It has an equator crossing near 118° east longitude. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2010 Aug 01, 03:35 | 24398 | 0.7308 | 190 | 35851 | 632.13 | 55.06 | 175 | | | 2010 Aug 07, 17:18 | 42159 | 0.0027 | 35667 | 35894 | 1435.79 | 55.09 | 183 | 116° east | | 2010 Oct 06, 10:52 | 42164 | 0.0026 | 35677 | 35895 | 1436.06 | 55.06 | 182 | 118° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 21:39 | 42169 | 0.0044 | 35603 | 35978 | 1436.29 | 54.25 | 215 | 119° east | | |
2010-057 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2010 Oct 31, 16:26 |
Beidou-2 G-4 2010-057A 37210 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2010 Nov 01, 07:12 | 24385 | 0.7306 | 192 | 35821 | 631.58 | 20.48 | 180 | | | 2010 Nov 10, 13:14 | 42165 | 0.0005 | 35764 | 35809 | 1436.09 | 1.82 | 208 | 160° east | | 2011 Nov 21, 12:34 | 42164 | 0.0004 | 35769 | 35804 | 1436.08 | 1.04 | 196 | 160° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 14:17 | 42164 | 0.0005 | 35765 | 35807 | 1436.06 | 0.98 | 182 | 160° east | | |
2010-068 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2010 Dec 17, 20:20 |
Beidou-2 IGEO-2 2010-068A 37256 |
in space
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Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region. Orbit is inclined at 55° to provide northerly coverage. Equator crossing near 118° east longitude to share service with Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828). |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2010 Dec 19, 02:41 | 24379 | 0.7308 | 184 | 35818 | 631.36 | 55.09 | 175 | | | 2010 Dec 22, 13:38 | 42165 | 0.0017 | 35717 | 35856 | 1436.09 | 55.24 | 179 | 120° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 17:33 | 42167 | 0.0040 | 35621 | 35957 | 1436.20 | 53.67 | 205 | 119° east | | |
2011-013 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2011 Apr 9, 20:47 |
Beidou-2 IGEO-3 2011-013A 37384 |
in space
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Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system.. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from its 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit that crosses the equator near 118° east longitude to share service with Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828) and Beidou 2-07 (2010-068A 37256). |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
estimated orbit | 23921 | 0.7253 | 192 | 34893 | 613.65 | 55.10 | 175 | | | 2011 Apr 13, 20:06 | 42027 | 0.0012 | 35599 | 35698 | 1429.05 | 55.29 | 333 | 118° east | | 2011 Apr 15, 14:15 | 42160 | 0.0021 | 35694 | 35871 | 1435.87 | 55.29 | 184 | 118° east | | 2016 Mar 28, 21:17 | 42161 | 0.0026 | 35672 | 35893 | 1435.89 | 57.28 | 204 | 121° east | | |
2011-038 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2011 Jul 26, 21:44 |
Beidou-2 IGEO-4 2011-038A 37763 |
in space
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Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system. It also provide time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from a 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit crossing the equator near 93° east longitude, parked as an on-orbit spare 25 degrees to the west of the main inclined group of Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828), Beidou 2-07 (2010-068A 37256) and Beidou 2-08 (2011-013A/37384) . Launch was about 20 minutes later than expected, indicating a possible unplanned hold in the countdown.
|
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2011 Jul 29, 08:18 | 24360 | 0.7298 | 204 | 35759 | 630.63 | 55.12 | 175 | | | 2011 Aug 06, 19:21 | 42163 | 0.0020 | 35699 | 35871 | 1436.02 | 55.21 | 188 | 93° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 21:56 | 42159 | 0.0038 | 35620 | 35943 | 1435.83 | 54.55 | 207 | 93° east | | |
2011-073 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2011 Dec 1, 21:07 |
Beidou-2 IGEO-5 2011-073A 37948 |
in space
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Fully-functional satellite in China's pre-operational navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from a 55° inclined geosynchronous orbit crossing the equator near 93° east longitude - parked as an on-orbit spare along with Beidou 2-09 (2011-038A/37763) 25 degrees to the west of the main inclined group of Beidou 2-05 (2010-036A/36828), Beidou 2-07 (2010-068A 37256) and Beidou 2-08 (2011-013A/37384). Arrived on station 2011 Dec 10 at 10:55 UTC ±20 min. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2011 Dec 02, 07:46 | 24381 | 0.7313 | 173 | 35832 | 631.43 | 55.34 | 175 | | | 2011 Dec 14, 06:30 | 42163 | 0.0019 | 35704 | 35866 | 1436.01 | 55.17 | 189 | 95° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 03:07 | 42164 | 0.0036 | 35633 | 35939 | 1436.06 | 53.77 | 202 | 95° east | | |
2012-008 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2012 Feb 24, 16:12 |
Beidou-2 G-5 2012-008A 38091 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. Its initial geosynchronous location was not one of the expected operational slots so the satellite may be an on-orbit spare. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2012 Feb 26, 16:05 | 24528 | 0.7303 | 237 | 36064 | 637.18 | 21.14 | 182 | | | 2012 Mar 01, 00:44 | 42224 | 0.0022 | 35751 | 35940 | 1439.13 | 1.88 | 309 | 59° east | | 2012 Mar 05, 05:08 | 42166 | 0.0003 | 35776 | 35799 | 1436.15 | 1.87 | 12 | 59° east | | |
2012-018 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2012 Apr 29, 20:50 |
Beidou-2 M-3 2012-018A 38250 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2012 Apr 30, 15:39 | 17273 | 0.6193 | 197 | 21592 | 376.54 | 55.04 | 173 | | | 2012 May 09, 08:17 | 27905 | 0.0024 | 21460 | 21595 | 773.19 | 55.16 | 186 | | | | Beidou-2 M-4 2012-018B 38251 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2012 May 01, 01:45 | 17259 | 0.6189 | 200 | 21562 | 376.09 | 55.04 | 174 | | | 2012 May 10, 04:27 | 27911 | 0.0026 | 21461 | 21605 | 773.44 | 54.97 | 180 | | | 2012 May 20, 11:00 | 27906 | 0.0027 | 21452 | 21603 | 773.21 | 55.10 | 180 | | | |
2012-050 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2012 Sep 18, 19:50 |
Beidou-2 M-5 2012-050A 38774 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2012 Sep 28, 15:55 | 27905 | 0.0023 | 21462 | 21591 | 773.19 | 55.00 | 183 | | | | Beidou-2 M-6 2012-050B 38775 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2012 Sep 20, 06:12 | 17267 | 0.6193 | 195 | 21583 | 376.35 | 54.98 | 174 | | | 2012 Sep 28, 06:39 | 27904 | 0.0017 | 21477 | 21574 | 773.13 | 55.09 | 210 | | | |
2012-059 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2012 Oct 25, 15:33 |
Beidou-2 G-6 2012-059A 38953 |
in space
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Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. Precise launch time - 15:33:04 UTC, injected into geosynchronous near its planned location at 80° east on Oct 28 at approx 10:00 UTC. On completion of testing, Beidou 16 became the final satellite needed to provide full navigation coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2012 Oct 25, 10:49 | 23817 | 0.7252 | 167 | 34712 | 609.68 | 20.54 | 180 | | | 2012 Nov 01, 17:26 | 42165 | 0.0003 | 35775 | 35799 | 1436.11 | 1.84 | 304 | 80° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 20:18 | 42165 | 0.0002 | 35779 | 35795 | 1436.10 | 0.75 | 253 | 80° east | | |
2015-019 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2015 Mar 30, 13:52 |
Beidou-3S IGEO-1S 2015-019A 40549 |
in space
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In-orbit validation satellite in China's navigation satellite system in inclined geosynchronour orbit. Transmitted navigation signals are different from those of the operational satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2015 Apr 02, 08:03 | 42667 | 0.0115 | 35797 | 36781 | 1461.84 | 54.98 | 172 | 163° west | | 2015 Apr 28, 22:10 | 42158 | 0.0041 | 35606 | 35953 | 1435.74 | 54.96 | 174 | 95° east | | 2015 Aug 10, 20:38 | 42165 | 0.0046 | 35595 | 35979 | 1436.10 | 54.91 | 178 | 98° east | | 2016 Mar 29, 00:21 | 42163 | 0.0040 | 35614 | 35955 | 1435.99 | 54.76 | 180 | 97° east | | |
2015-037 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2015 Jul 25, 12:29 |
Beidou-3S M-1S 2015-037A 40748 |
in space
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In-orbit validation satellite China's navigation system in MEO. Transmitted navigation signals are different from those of the operational satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2015 Jul 26, 17:03 | 28237 | 0.0118 | 21525 | 22194 | 787.04 | 54.98 | 177 | | | 2015 Aug 13, 22:08 | 27906 | 0.0005 | 21515 | 21542 | 773.24 | 54.99 | 253 | | | | Beidou-3S M-2S 2015-037B 40749 |
in space
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In-orbit validation satellite China's navigation system in MEO. Transmitted navigation signals are different from those of the operational satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2015 Jul 27, 11:47 | 28083 | 0.0063 | 21528 | 21881 | 780.58 | 54.99 | 180 | | | 2015 Jul 29, 03:08 | 27874 | 0.0012 | 21464 | 21528 | 771.89 | 54.99 | 344 | | | 2015 Aug 07, 12:42 | 27907 | 0.0005 | 21514 | 21543 | 773.27 | 54.99 | 264 | | | |
2015-053 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2015 Sep 29, 23:13 |
Beidou-3S IGEO-2S 2015-053A 40938 |
in space
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In-orbit validation satellite in China's navigation satellite system in inclined geosynchronour orbit. Transmitted navigation signals are different from those of the operational satellites. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2015 Sep 30, 13:08 | 24389 | 0.7306 | 192 | 35828 | 631.74 | 55.05 | 180 | | | 2015 Oct 08, 12:02 | 42158 | 0.0041 | 35606 | 35954 | 1435.75 | 55.02 | 174 | 94° east | | 2015 Dec 10, 00:38 | 42161 | 0.0043 | 35601 | 35965 | 1435.92 | 54.95 | 170 | 97° east | | |
2016-006 CZ 3C + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2016 Feb 1, 07:29 |
Beidou-3S M-3S 2016-006A 41315 |
in space
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In-orbit validation satellite China's navigation system in MEO. Transmitted navigation signals are different from those of the operational satellites. Separated from upper rocket stage 10:45 UTC +/-15 min. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2016 Feb 01, 14:39 | 28125 | 0.0083 | 21513 | 21982 | 782.36 | 55.00 | 177 | | | 2016 Mar 03, 23:33 | 27906 | 0.0001 | 21524 | 21532 | 773.23 | 55.05 | 277 | | | |
2016-021 CZ 3A Xichang Space Centre |
2016 Mar 29, 20:11 |
Beidou-2 IGEO-6 2016-021A 41434 |
in space
|
Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from inclined geosynchronous orbit. Launch may have been delayed by ten minutes towards the end of countdown. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2016 Mar 30, 02:19 | 24374 | 0.7303 | 196 | 35796 | 631.18 | 55.04 | 175 | | | 2016 Apr 04, 15:44 | 42161 | 0.0025 | 35676 | 35890 | 1435.92 | 54.97 | 183 | 94° east | | |
2016-037 CZ 3C Xichang Space Centre |
2016 Jun 12, 15:30 |
Beidou-2 G-7 2016-037A 41586 |
in space
|
Phase 1 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from geosynchronous orbit. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2016 Jun 12, 20:09 | 23775 | 0.7225 | 219 | 34574 | 608.05 | 19.28 | 179 | | | 2016 Jun 23, 12:22 | 42164 | 0.0002 | 35776 | 35794 | 1436.03 | 1.84 | 258 | 144° east | | |
2017-069 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2017 Nov 5, 11:45 |
Beidou-3 M-1 2017-069A 43001 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2017 Nov 06, 21:50 | 28156 | 0.0086 | 21535 | 22020 | 783.62 | 55.00 | 178 | | | 2017 Nov 12, 17:05 | 27906 | 0.0008 | 21506 | 21549 | 773.23 | 55.01 | 281 | | | | Beidou-3 M-2 2017-069B 43002 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2017 Nov 06, 16:29 | 28246 | 0.0115 | 21542 | 22194 | 787.39 | 55.00 | 177 | | | 2017 Dec 07, 06:35 | 27906 | 0.0007 | 21508 | 21548 | 773.23 | 55.01 | 307 | | | |
2018-003 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2018 Jan 11, 23:18 |
Beidou-3 M-7 2018-003A 43107 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2018 Jan 12, 07:21 | 28244 | 0.0116 | 21538 | 22194 | 787.32 | 55.01 | 177 | | | 2018 Feb 08, 15:43 | 27906 | 0.0004 | 21516 | 21540 | 773.23 | 55.01 | 349 | | | | Beidou-3 M-8 2018-003B 43108 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2018 Jan 31, 19:23 | 28026 | 0.0037 | 21545 | 21750 | 778.20 | 55.00 | 176 | | | 2018 Feb 10, 20:23 | 27906 | 0.0005 | 21514 | 21542 | 773.22 | 55.00 | 243 | | | |
2018-018 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2018 Feb 12, 05:03 |
Beidou-3 M-3 2018-018A 43207 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2018 Feb 13, 11:01 | 28240 | 0.0117 | 21533 | 22192 | 787.17 | 54.99 | 178 | | | 2018 Feb 27, 04:06 | 27906 | 0.0007 | 21509 | 21547 | 773.22 | 54.98 | 316 | | | | Beidou-3 M-4 2018-018B 43208 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2018 Feb 14, 13:16 | 28246 | 0.0115 | 21544 | 22191 | 787.38 | 54.98 | 178 | | | 2018 Feb 27, 02:02 | 27921 | 0.0008 | 21521 | 21565 | 773.86 | 54.99 | 248 | | | 2018 Feb 28, 04:17 | 27906 | 0.0008 | 21506 | 21551 | 773.24 | 54.98 | 288 | | | |
2018-029 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2018 Mar 29, 17:56 |
Beidou-3 M-9 2018-029A 43245 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2018 Apr 03, 12:58 | 27909 | 0.0003 | 21523 | 21538 | 773.34 | 55.02 | 321 | | | 2018 Apr 05, 21:56 | 27906 | 0.0002 | 21522 | 21534 | 773.22 | 55.02 | 305 | | | | Beidou-3 M-10 2018-029B 43246 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2018 Mar 31, 16:13 | 28245 | 0.0115 | 21542 | 22192 | 787.37 | 55.00 | 178 | | | 2018 Apr 30, 03:18 | 27906 | 0.0006 | 21512 | 21544 | 773.24 | 55.03 | 323 | | | |
2018-085 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2018 Nov 1, 15:57 |
Beidou-3 G-1 2018-085A 43683 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2018 Nov 01, 23:41 | 24375 | 0.7308 | 183 | 35810 | 631.20 | 28.45 | 180 | | | 2018 Nov 13, 17:14 | 42164 | 0.0000 | 35784 | 35788 | 1436.05 | 3.07 | 123 | 145° east | | |
2019-061 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2019 Sep 22, 21:10 |
Beidou-3 M-23 2019-061A 44542 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. Launch was brought forward by 24 hrs to avoid forecast bad weather at the launch site. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2019 Sep 24, 18:57 | 28248 | 0.0115 | 21546 | 22194 | 787.47 | 55.03 | 177 | | | 2019 Oct 01, 20:30 | 28205 | 0.0100 | 21547 | 22108 | 785.71 | 55.02 | 176 | | | 2019 Oct 26, 10:46 | 27909 | 0.0008 | 21508 | 21554 | 773.35 | 55.01 | 312 | | | | Beidou-3 M-24 2019-061B 44543 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. Launch was brought forward by 24 hrs to avoid forecast bad weather at the launch site. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2019 Sep 24, 18:53 | 28242 | 0.0116 | 21535 | 22192 | 787.22 | 55.02 | 177 | | | 2019 Sep 28, 18:54 | 28154 | 0.0085 | 21535 | 22016 | 783.54 | 55.02 | 178 | | | 2019 Oct 04, 10:38 | 27906 | 0.0007 | 21507 | 21549 | 773.23 | 55.01 | 288 | | | |
2019-073 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2019 Nov 4, 17:43 |
Beidou-3 IGEO-3 2019-073A 44709 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region from inclined geosynchronous orbit. Probably moved into geosynchronous drift orbit some time on Nov 5 and arrived on station shortly after. Launch completes the IGEO part of the Beidou-3 constellation. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2019 Nov 04, 23:24 | 24384 | 0.7309 | 184 | 35828 | 631.57 | 28.51 | 180 | | | 2019 Nov 22, 20:40 | 42159 | 0.0025 | 35675 | 35888 | 1435.81 | 58.70 | 184 | 106° east | | |
2019-078 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2019 Nov 23, 00:55 |
Beidou-3 M-21 2019-078A 44793 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2019 Nov 29, 05:24 | 28247 | 0.0115 | 21542 | 22194 | 787.42 | 54.99 | 178 | | | 2019 Dec 14, 01:28 | 28108 | 0.0066 | 21545 | 21916 | 781.65 | 55.00 | 180 | | | 2019 Dec 20, 13:59 | 27907 | 0.0006 | 21512 | 21545 | 773.26 | 55.01 | 332 | | | | Beidou-3 M-22 2019-078B 44794 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in MEO for China's navigation satellite system. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2019 Nov 25, 03:21 | 28243 | 0.0116 | 21537 | 22192 | 787.26 | 54.99 | 178 | | | 2019 Dec 30, 06:01 | 27906 | 0.0005 | 21514 | 21542 | 773.22 | 55.00 | 323 | | | |
2019-090 CZ 3B + YZ-1 Xichang Space Centre |
2019 Dec 16, 07:12 |
Beidou-3 M-19 2019-090A 44864 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. One of the final pair needed to complete the Beidou-3, 24 satellite, MEO constellation. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2019 Dec 16, 14:19 | 28235 | 0.0119 | 21521 | 22193 | 786.94 | 55.02 | 178 | | | 2019 Dec 20, 08:42 | 28077 | 0.0063 | 21522 | 21877 | 780.36 | 55.02 | 184 | | | 2019 Dec 24, 15:10 | 27906 | 0.0013 | 21491 | 21565 | 773.23 | 55.01 | 255 | | | | Beidou-3 M-20 2019-090B 44865 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. One of the final pair needed to complete the Beidou-3, 24 satellite, MEO constellation. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | | |
2019 Dec 16, 13:55 | 28239 | 0.0118 | 21528 | 22193 | 787.09 | 55.01 | 178 | | | 2019 Dec 21, 04:01 | 28197 | 0.0102 | 21530 | 22108 | 785.35 | 55.00 | 179 | | | 2020 Jan 20, 23:24 | 27906 | 0.0013 | 21493 | 21563 | 773.23 | 55.04 | 277 | | | |
2020-017 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2020 Mar 9, 11:57 |
Beidou-3 G-2 2020-017A 45344 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region. Probably moved to geosynchronous drift orbit Mar 10 and arrived on-station shortly after. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2020 Mar 09, 18:03 | 24381 | 0.7289 | 231 | 35775 | 631.45 | 28.43 | 180 | | | 2020 Apr 01, 16:54 | 42165 | 0.0002 | 35776 | 35797 | 1436.08 | 3.08 | 41 | 80° east | | |
2020-040 CZ 3B Xichang Space Centre |
2020 Jun 23, 01:43 |
Beidou-3 G-3 2020-040A 45807 |
in space
|
Phase 2 operational satellite in China's navigation satellite system. It also provides time and messaging services for the Asia-Pacific region. Final satellite required to complete the Beidou system. Probably manoeuvred to geosynchronous drift orbit by Jun 25 and arrived on station by Jun 30. |
epoch (UTC) | s-m axis ( km ) | ecc | perigee ( km ) | apogee ( km ) | period ( min ) | incl ( ° ) | ω ( ° ) | GEO Longitude | |
2020 Jun 23, 14:41 | 24383 | 0.7295 | 218 | 35791 | 631.52 | 28.42 | 180 | | | 2020 Jul 06, 16:57 | 42165 | 0.0005 | 35764 | 35809 | 1436.10 | 3.08 | 349 | 111° east | | |
Page date: 2011 Nov 21
Updated: 2012 Dec 31
Updated: 2016 Mar 30
Orbits updated: 2021 Jan 02
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