BEIJING — China announced on December 27 that it is only a few months away from completing its own satellite-based position system called Beidou.<br /><br />China has already launched 53 satellites, including those that are longer in operation, for the navigational system since 2000, reports Nikkei Asian Review. <br /><br />The final two satellites will be launched by June 2020. This will complete the network at 35 satellites. <br /><br />In comparison, the U.S.'s Global Positioning System, or GPS, uses approximately 30 satellites in space.<br /><br />China is developing a navigation system independent of the GPS in a bid to protect its own interests, Nikkei Asian Review reports. <br /><br />The satellite's level of location accuracy is currently within 5 meters, though Beidou Navigation Satellite System spokesperson Ran Chengqi said that the system's accuracy will improve to within centimeters by the end of next year.<br /><br />The company said this will help in search and rescue missions in the future.<br /><br />Beidou's navigation system will also be used to improve technology for self-driving vehicles and cell phones in China.<br /><br />According to the Nikkei Asian Review, Beidou will also include a text messaging service so that users can communicate with one another.<br /><br />Ran said that Beidou already has plans to export its products to roughly 120 trading partners through China's Belt and Road initiative.<br /><br />The country also plans to open up its navigational system to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa and eastern Europe.
