China plans to build a new generation of satellites with high accuracy and wide coverage to expand its Beidu system. Through Beidu 4, China aims to extend its services into space, from smartphone coverage anywhere on earth to seamless communication even under the sea. With these satellites operational, Beidu will also be able to increase the accuracy of its GPS and atomic clock system.
∙ 5 satellites for a new test
Baidu plans to launch three to five satellites next year to test the new technology, said Ran Chenqi, director of the China Satellite Navigation Office. Based on its results, new technology can be developed. Our aim is to make Beidu technical support available to you anywhere in the world. Ran added that the system is trying to be implemented by 2035.
∙ Started in 2000, currently 45 satellites
Beidu 1 was launched in 2000 with the launch of two satellites. Initially, the service was only available in China. There are currently 45 satellites under Baidu. Beidu is a service provider that provides technologies that are not available in many countries, such as Earth observation sensors high speed laser communication. This is possible through Baidu 3 satellites.
∙ Atomic clock experiment in the space station
The atomic clock they built is being tested in the Chinese space station, Tiangong. If the test is successful, it will help Beidu build its next generation of satellites. Beidu satellites help navigate and control submarines and drones. Therefore, many of their projects are supported by the Chinese Army.
∙ Colonization of the Moon and Mars
In the future, Beidu plans to adapt its services for use in controlling hypersonic aircraft and establishing human colonies on the Moon and Mars. Whether you’re underwater, on land, inside buildings, in the air or in space, Ran says the Chinese spacetime system can help you. If the accuracy of the Beidu GPS system was more than ten meters two decades ago, today the Beidu Global Positioning System is able to work with an accuracy of a few centimeters in many Chinese cities.
∙ About half of the world’s countries use Baidu’s services
Control of driverless vehicles and drones, high-voltage power supply, computer-controlled ports, and warnings of natural disasters can all use Beidu’s services. Already, Beidu makes it possible to send text messages without the help of telecommunications services from many isolated places without mobile range. Soon messages will be received by satellite. It is estimated that nearly half of the world’s countries use Baidu’s services.
∙ Baidu also for monitoring cargo ships
Many companies use Beidu satellites to monitor cargo ships from China. Saudi Arabia already uses Beidou satellites for mapping and tracking vehicles in the desert. Beidou satellites continuously monitor Lake Saras in Tajikistan, a natural dam formed by the 1911 earthquake and subsequent landslides, and the potential hazard. Baidu satellites are also being used to monitor construction work in Lebanon. It is expected that these satellites and technology will play a vital role in strengthening Chinese cooperation with countries including Russia in the future.
English summary: China’s next-generation BeiDou satellites reach the moon – and your mobile phone
