China launches 22nd BeiDou satellite
China launched the 22nd BeiDou satellite into orbit on Tuesday. BeiDou-22 (or BeiDou-2 I6) was launched at 20:11 UTC (4:11 local time) by a Long March-3A rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
China launched the 21st BeiDou satellite on Feb. 1, the second in a series of BeiDou launches schedule for 2016. The BeiDou constellation is planned to be completed in 2020.
The new satellite, the sixth BeiDou-2 IGSO, will be used to replenish the current operating regional system.
The satellite, after entering its designed work orbit and finishing in-orbit testing, will join others already in orbit and improve the stability of the system, preparing for BDS to offer global coverage.
Video of the launch is provided by CCTV.
A Long March-3A carrier rocket carrying the 22nd BeiDou satellite lifted off March 30.
The 22nd BeiDou satellite is one in a series of launches planned this year.
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