China's satellite system to have global coverage by 2020

(Ecns.cn)—China will have to add 30 more satellites by 2020 for use with the Beidou navigation system to have global coverage, Guangzhou Daily reported on Tuesday.

Independently developed and operated by China, the Beidou satellite navigation system can provide a wide range of functions, including navigation, global positioning and timing.

However, the system is still at the initial stage, according to Weng Jingnong, professor at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

As one of the four satellite navigation systems in the world, the Beidou system currently provides Initial Operational Service in China and its surrounding areas, making the country the third to have an indigenous navigation satellite system.

Later this year, it will be able to provide services to the Asia-Pacific region, with 10 more satellites to be launched, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office.

In addition to civil uses, the system is also good for national defense, said the Ministry of National Defense in the annual white paper.