NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Beidou-2 M1

Launch Time
Fri Apr 13, 2007 20:11 UTC

Rocket

Long March 3A
Image Credit: CASC
CASC
Status: Retired
Price: $69.7 million
Liftoff Thrust: 2,962 kN
Payload to LEO: 8,500 kg
Payload to GTO: 2,600 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 52.52 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.35 m
Fairing Height: 8.89 m

Mission Details

Beidou-2 M1

BD 2M (Beidou 2M) and BD 2I (Beidou 2I) satellites are the MEO and IGSO components of the 2nd phase of the Chinese Beidou (Compass) satellite navigation system, which, in contrast to GPS and GLONASS, uses both geostationary satellites and satellites in intermediate orbit.

This series provides the satellites for the inclined geostationary (IGSO) constellation called "Compass-I" and the prototypes for the intermediate constellation called "Compass-M" in 12-hours orbits.

The satellites are based on the DFH-3 Bus. They feature a phased array antenna for navigation signals and a laser retroreflector.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 2,200.0 kg
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

LC-2, Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China

Stats

2007

13th orbital launch attempt

Long March 3

33rd mission
2nd mission of 2007
28th successful mission
19th consecutive successful mission