Beidou-3 M3 & M4

Mission

Beidou-3 M3 & M4

Type: Navigation

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a Chinese satellite navigation system. It consists of two separate satellite constellations – a limited test system that has been operating since 2000, and a full-scale global navigation system that is currently under construction. Beidou-3 are the third generation navigation satellites which are launched into medium Earth orbit.

Location

Unknown

Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China

99 launches have been at this location.

Rocket

Long March 3B / YZ-1

Length: 54.8 meters
Diameter: 3.35 meters
First Launched: February 14, 1996

The Long March 3B is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket. Introduced in 1996, it is launched from Launch Area 2 and 3 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. A three-stage rocket with four strap-on liquid rocket boosters, it is currently the most powerful member of the Long March rocket family and the heaviest of the Long March 3 rocket family, and is mainly used to place communications satellites into geosynchronous orbits.

The Long March 3B / YZ-1 rocket has been launched a total of 13 times with 13 successful and 0 failed launches.

Agency

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Type: Government
Abbreviation: CASC
Administration: Chairmen & President: Lei Fanpei
Founded: 1999
Launchers: Long March
Spacecraft:
Country: CHN

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.