LM-3B Launched the Penultimate BeiDou-3 Navigation System Satellite Successfully

A LM-3B launched the BeiDou 3 GEO-2 satellite into space at 19:55 Beijing time on March 9,2020,from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.The satellite entered its predetermined orbit later,marking the success of the launch mission.

As the 54th satellite in the BeiDou navigation satellite system and also the 29th BeiDou 3 satellite,the BeiDou 3 GEO-2 satellite,developed by the China Academy of Space Technology,is called the “lucky satellite” with the largest size,the longest designed service life and the most functions.

This satellite will verify the active positioning function and initiate the upgrade of the radio measurement function.

The last GEO satellite of BeiDou 3 satellite navigation system will be launched in May,by which time the whole system will consist of a total of 30 satellites thus completing the system.

The LM-3B launch vehicle that was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology belongs to the LM-3A family.

The LM-3A family carrier rocket has launched all the 54 BeiDou satellites into orbit over 39 launches since 2007 with a 100% success rate.

This was the 327th launch of the LM series launch vehicle.(LIU Yan/China Space News)