China to optimize BeiDou navigation system's constellation structure

China will optimize the constellation structure of its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System by deploying satellites in high, medium, and low Earth orbits to offer more precise and faster positioning services, according to a plan released by the China Satellite Navigation Office on Thursday.

BeiDou will comprehensively improve its accuracy as a space-time reference system and autonomous operation capabilities, according to the plan released at a symposium held in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the construction of the BeiDou system.

"In terms of constellation structure, we all know that China's BeiDou system has an innovative mixed configuration of medium and high orbit satellites. The next-generation national space-time system will also include low orbit satellites. This means that the existing BeiDou satellites in high and medium Earth orbits will serve as the core, incorporating some special functions of the low orbit satellites. The current technical research results of low orbit navigation satellites show that they converge more quickly, which means they can provide faster positioning services for users," said Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of the BeiDou system.

The Chinese-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) was initiated in 1994. The construction of BDS-1 and BDS-2 was completed in 2000 and 2012, respectively. When BDS-3 was put into service on July 31, 2020, China became the third country to have an independent global navigation satellite system.

Over the past two years, China has launched five additional BeiDou satellites, completing the construction of BDS-3.

Currently, the BeiDou system has stable operation, excellent performances, and strong functions enabling it to meet the diverse needs of users, according to Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the system.

"The accuracy of the BeiDou navigation system is steadily increasing. The current seven functions have become stronger. For example, we provide global services such as navigation, positioning, international search and rescue, and global short message. We also provide regional services for the Asia-Pacific, such as satellite-based augmentation, accurate single-point positioning, and ground-based augmentation. The performance of the system is stable, enabling us to meet the needs of our users," Yang said.

According to the plan, three experimental satellites of this navigation system are scheduled for launch around 2027, while network deployment will begin by about 2029 and will be completed by 2035.

The system will also feature an integrated and efficient ground infrastructure, ensuring flexible resource allocation, data sharing and uninterrupted operations.

The next-generation BeiDou system will deliver real-time, highly accurate navigation, positioning and timing with precision levels ranging from meters to decimeters.

After years of development, the BeiDou system has been extensively applied in new infrastructure construction, covering transportation, energy, agriculture, communications, meteorology, natural resources, ecological protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, and many other fields, seeing fruitful results and a promising prospect in mass consumption.

"The areas where we have great influence on people's daily life are intelligent transportation, including the control of intelligent logistics and shared bicycles, and fully automatic harvesting and plowing in intelligent agriculture. The application of BeiDou has brought huge benefits to all these areas. And the list goes on. Our accurate timing has enabled better applications," Yang said.

The BDS services and related products have been exported to more than 130 countries, providing users with diversified choices and better application experience, and promoting industrial development, according to a bluebook released in October.

"We are one of the four major satellite navigation and positioning service providers for the United Nations. More than 100 countries are using our satellite navigation system. As our system is more accurate and convenient, I think it will play a better role in global satellite navigation in the future," he said.

China to optimize BeiDou navigation system's constellation structure

A cooperation conference was held on Tuesday at the ongoing second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing in an effort to promote economic cooperation between Hungary and central China's Hubei Province.

As the Country of Honor, Hungary has showcased its leading industries, unique resources, and national brand image at the country's exhibition booth.

Meanwhile, as province of honor, Hubei is bringing 28 enterprises to showcase their products through 70 exhibits.

As the only event jointly organized by the Country of Honor and the Province of Honor, China (Hubei) - Hungary International Supply Chain Cooperation Conference was held to promote economic cooperation between the two sides.

Since the beginning of this year, Hubei's imports and exports to Hungary have increased by 8.1 percent, which is a reflection of China's high-level opening up.

"Today, China stands as Hungary's most important trading partner outside Europe. Since 2015, bilateral trade turnover has nearly doubled, reflecting a partnership built on trust, mutual benefit and a shared vision for a sustainable goal," said Jenei Gabor, CEO of Hungarian Export Promotion Agency.

This year also marks the beginning of the upgrade of ties between China and Hungary.

China and Hungary decided on May 9 to elevate bilateral relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era.

The decision was announced during the talks between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a national foreign trade and investment promotion agency, said that it will continue to serve as bridge between enterprises and policies, and facilitate more Hungarian products to enter into China.

"The CCPIT will fully leverage its role in connecting governments and enterprises, integrating domestic and international markets, and facilitating supply and demand. It will actively assist more high-quality Hungarian products in entering the Chinese market," said Ren Hongbin, CCPIT chairman.

The results are obvious as Hubei Province has reached a large number of cooperation deals during the expo, including 44 signed projects, ranging from new energy vehicles, high-end equipment, to artificial intelligence and more.

Compared with the previous edition in 2023, this year's CISCE boasts a higher number of exhibiting companies, more international participants, and a larger crowd of visitors.

With the 620 companies and institutions on board from 69 countries, regions and international bodies, the lineup includes 78 Fortune Global 500 firms, 86 Chinese Fortune 500 entities, and an anticipated attendance of professionals from over 100 countries in political, business and academic circles.

Cooperation conference held to promote economic cooperation between Hungary, Hubei Province