Last third-gen Beidou satellite fired into orbit

"Compared with the second-generation satellites, the third-generation models feature higher accuracy and stability, a clearer signal and more state-of-the-art technologies such as inter-satellite links, satellite-based augmentation and global emergency search capability," said Chen Zhonggui of the China Academy of Space Technology, chief designer of the third-generation satellite.

Chen said the new generation is 10 times stronger than the second generation in terms of overall service capability.

In addition to optimized navigation and positioning capabilities, the third-generation model allows a user to send 1,200 Chinese characters in a single message from places with poor conventional communication signals, while previous models could send only 120, he added.

As the most sophisticated space system, Beidou has not only tens of satellites but also a vast ground-based network that includes dozens of stations, more than 200 subsystems and over 30,000 sets of equipment.

More than 100,000 scientists, engineers and technicians from more than 300 domestic institutes and enterprises have been involved in Beidou's development and construction.

Beidou began providing positioning, navigation, timing and messaging services to civilian users in China and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region in December 2012. At the end of 2018, Beidou started to provide global services.

Next, China will continue improving the system's capabilities and services, the China Satellite Navigation Office said.