China launches final Beidou satellite in challenge to GPS

Recently, China has launched final satellite in challenge to GPS, named BeiDou Navigation Satellite System 3 (BDS-3) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province on 23 June 2020. The $10bn (£8bn) network is made up of 35 satellites and provides global navigation coverage.

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BDS-3 Satellite

BDS-3 Satellite was carried by a Long March-3B carrier rocket.

It is the 30th BDS-3 satellite and also the 55th of the whole BeiDou satellite family.

BDS-3 will offer its users services including high-precision positioning and short message communication. It will bring new highlights to global navigation satellite systems.

The final BDS satellite weighs over 10,000 pounds. It is the largest of its kind in the family.

The satellite is filled with propellants for maneuvers in orbit.

BDS-3 family will allow the constellation to provide more cost-effective navigation services.

US-China conflict

The relationship between China and US has become increasingly strained over several issues since the start of this year.

US President Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly criticised China over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak and Trump recognized the virus as Chinese Virus.

In response to a new Hong Kong security law pushed by Beijing, the US president last month announced that he will end preferential treatment for the city in trade and travel.

In the recent days the relationship between the US and China has come under increasing scrutiny after former National Security Adviser John Bolton said in his new book that Mr Trump sought help from Chinese President Xi Jinping to win re-election.