China's next-generation BeiDou system to be more technologically advanced

(ECNS) -- China aims to complete the building of a more advanced, powerful, and efficient next-generation BeiDou navigation system (BDS) by 2035, according to a development plan released by the China Satellite Navigation Office on Thursday.

The plan lays out a detailed timeline prior to 2035. By 2025, breakthroughs in key technologies are expected. By 2027, three pilot satellites will be launched to test new technologies, with the installation of network satellites set to begin by 2029.

Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the BDS, explained that the next-generation navigation system will be closely aligned with multiple navigation tools and develop smart terminals that meet the needs of various scenarios.

“Generally speaking, the next-generation BDS will provide more accurate and reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services. Currently, the system’s precision is within a few meters, while the next generation is expected to achieve an accuracy of less than one meter,” said Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of the BDS.

In 1994, China began developing the BDS-1. With the completion and launch of BDS-3 on July 31, 2020, it became the third country to establish an independent global navigation satellite system.

Over the past 30 years, the BDS has been widely integrated into various sectors of the national economy, including transportation, energy, meteorology, and communications.

As one of four global satellite navigation systems recognized by the UN, the BDS services and related products have been exported to over 140 countries and regions, and have been included in the standard system of 13 international organizations of civil aviation, maritime, and mobile communications.