China launched the BDS I2-S (Beidou-20) navigation spacecraft into an inclined Geosynchronous orbit using a Long March 3B-G2 rocket – an enhanced version of the Long March 3B. The launch of the 4,200kg satellite took place from the Xichang launch site in China.
The satellite, which carries a phased array antenna as well as passive laser reflectors, takes its place as the second of three planned satellites in a geosynchronous orbit inclined at 55 degrees to the equator. This is one part of the Beidou navigation satellite constellation which is broadly equivalent to the US GPS and European Galileo systems. When complete the final Phase 3 Beidou constellation will consist of 27 satellites placed in a medium Earth orbit, three satellites in inclined geosynchronous orbits and five satellites in geostationary (zero inclination) orbit.
