China has launched the final satellite in its Beidou constellation that emulates the US Global Positioning System (GPS), marking a further step in the country’s advance as a major space power.
The launch of the satellite onboard a Long March-3 rocket was broadcast live from the satellite launch base of Xichang on Tuesday, deep in the mountains of southwestern China, shortly before 10am. About half an hour later, the satellite was deployed in orbit and extended its solar panels to provide its energy.