[Satellite TODAY 08-03-10] China placed the fifth satellite in its planned satellite navigation and positioning network into orbit, Xinhua announced Aug. 1.
     The satellite, part of China’s Beidou, or Compass, satellite constellation, was lofted into orbit aboard a Long March rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
     China began developing its own satellite navigation system in 2000, and the Beidou constellation is intended to provide navigation, time and short message services in the Asia-Pacific region before 2012 and capable of providing global navigation services by 2020. The constellation is expected to consist of 35 satellites when completed.