NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2012-008A
Beidou G5, a Chinese navigation satellite, was launched from Xichang on 24 February 2012 at 16:12 UT by a Long March 3C rocket. The satellite is part of the Beidou navigation constellation, also known as the Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS), China's second-generation satellite navigation system.
The system is used to provide high-accuracy positioning services for users in China and its neighboring regions. It is capable of providing continuous, real-time passive 3D geo-spatial positioning and speed measurement. The system will be dual use, based around a civilian service that will provide an accuracy of 10 meters in the user position, with the military and authorized user's service, providing higher accuracies. The long-term goal is to develop a global navigation satellite network consisting of a constellation of 35 vehicles by 2020. The satellites have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Launch Date: 2012-02-24
Launch Vehicle: Long March 3C
Launch Site: Xichang, Peoples Republic of China
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office