Compass (BeiDou 2) Satellite Navigation System

The Compass Navigation Satellite System (CNSS), or BeiDou 2, is China’s second-generation satellite navigation system capable of providing continuous, real-time passive 3D geo-spatial positioning and speed measurement. The system will initially used to provide high-accuracy positioning services for users in China and its neighbouring regions, covering an area of about 120 degrees longitude in the Northern Hemisphere. The long-term goal is to develop a global navigation satellite network similar to the GPS and GLONASS.

The CNSS will provide two types of services: a free service for civilian users with positioning accuracy of within 10 metres, velocity accuracy of within 0.2 m/s and timing accuracy of within 50 nanoseconds; as well as a licensed service with higher accuracy for authorised and military users only. Initially the system will initially cover China and its neighbouring countries only, but will eventually extend into a global navigation satellite system.

The completed system for a global coverage will comprise 25~35 satellites, including 4 Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites (58.75° E, 80° E, 110.5° E, and 140° E). CNSS satellites are based on the DongFangHong 3 (DFH-3) satellite bus, with a designed life span of eight years.

Launch Records

Last update: 1 May 2009