China Launches the 32nd Satellite of the BeiDou Navigation System

China launched the 32nd BeiDou navigation satellite into orbit on a LM-3A carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 04:58 Beijing time on July 10, 2018. As a backup BeiDou-2 satellite, it will ensure the system’s continuous and stable operation.

This satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology(CAST) under CASC. It is a backup satellite for the regional navigation system and will provide a powerful complement to the system. It effectively improves the reliability and robustness of the system, and strengthens the capability of the BeiDou navigation system providing continuous and stable service.It will play an important role in stabilizing the overall constellation in the process from “regional” to “global” together with other satellites of the regional navigation system.

The LM-3A launch vehicle was developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), and is a basic configuration of the LM-3 series launch vehicle. Some new materials have been used to improve the reliability of the carrier rocket, and a variety of effective measures have been applied during the whole life circle of the carrier rocket to control the quality. The launch was the 280th mission of the Long March rocket series.