The recent formal launch of full global services of its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS) by China has garnered global attention and generated numerous discussions.
Origins of the BeiDou Navigation Project
Named after the Chinese word for the Big Dipper constellation, the BeiDou navigation project was launched in the early 1990s. Operational within China by 2000, it expanded its services to the Asia-Pacific region by 2012. The completion of the navigation satellite system occurred in three phases: BDS-1 focused on providing services to China, BDS-2 expanded these services to the Asia-Pacific region, and now, BDS-3 is offering services worldwide.
Features of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System
The BDS is a hybrid constellation comprising around 30 satellites divided into three types of orbits: Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO), and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). It provides navigation signals of multiple frequencies, improving service accuracy through combined multi-frequency signals. Additionally, BDS offers accurate positioning, navigation, and timing, as well as other services such as short messaging communication, international search and rescue, satellite-based augmentation, ground augmentation, and precise point positioning.
These services have been utilised extensively in various sectors within China including defence, transportation, agriculture, fishing, and disaster relief. Surpassing the USA’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS, and the European Union’s Galileo, BDS is the fourth global satellite navigation system and boasts higher accuracy.
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
GNSS is a broad term that describes any satellite constellation providing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services on a global level.
Significance and Implications of BDS
Despite China’s insistence on cooperation with other satellite navigation systems, BeiDou presents a challenge to the centrality of the USA’s GPS, and Russia’s GLONASS and the European Union’s Galileo networks. On a military level, China’s development of BDS will enhance its military strength, particularly considering the escalating US-China tensions.
From an economic perspective, the claimed superiority and accuracy of BDS are highly attractive to companies worldwide. As the information-based economy increasingly dominates the global market, BDS could potentially yield significant economic benefits for China.
China’s Influence on Other Nations
China is encouraging the use of BDS in countries participating in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Pakistan already using the system. This deployment will undoubtedly provide China with both economic and political leverage over nations adopting BDS.
Competitive Advantage over India
BDS has given China a competitive advantage over India, whose IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) – NavIC is currently a regional navigation system.
The Importance of Space Infrastructure Amidst Covid-19
Due to the pandemic’s imposed limitations on physical meetings and travel, the world has become heavily reliant on space infrastructure. Consequently, information and space-based services have gained increased importance.
China’s Authority in Space
China’s space program has achieved rapid progress in recent years, demonstrating this with the launch of the Tianwen-1 rover mission to Mars, construction of an experimental space station, and the deployment of a pair of rovers to the moon’s surface (Chang’e-4). BDS stands as a further testimony to China’s growing authority in Space.
India’s IRNSS – NavIC
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC or NAVigation with Indian Constellation, is India’s regional satellite navigation system. Operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IRNSS covers India and adjoining regions extending up to 1,500 km. Its constellation consists of seven active satellites.
Satellite Orbits
An orbit refers to the regular, repeating path that an object in space takes around another object. An object orbiting a planet is known as a satellite. Depending on the height of satellites from the earth, orbits can be classified as High Earth orbit, Medium Earth orbit, and Low Earth orbit.
Geo-Synchronous orbit
A Geo-synchronous orbit has a period equal to the earth’s rotational period.
Geostationary Orbit
A Geostationary Orbit aligns with the plane of the equator and has the same period as a Geo-synchronous orbit.
