China to build satellites system to provide global service
By Bai Yuanqi
People's Daily app
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16 satellites

After two satellites in orbit, China now operates 16 Beidou satellites, which will form the nation’s Beidou-3 system along with the remaining three to be launched later this year.

The satellite system aims to serve China’s Belt and Road Initiative for the first two years. By the end of 2020, the system will extend its service globally.

Since its first launch in 2000, the Beidou satellites have produced massive benefits in public security, transportation, fishing, power and disaster relief. Police saved 20 percent of the time on average and emergency response was twice as fast. Beidou-equipped ships rescued over 10,000 people. 

The system also helps China’s technological shift towards intelligent progress. In Beijing, thousands of taxies and buses loaded with the Beidou-3 system have less congestion and collisions. The nation’s super-logistics network also relies on the satellites to transfer and deliver goods.