BeiDou

China’s premier global navigation satellite system (GNSS) providing decimeter-level positioning and unique short-message communication capabilities.

BeiDou (BDS) operates via a 35-satellite constellation across three orbital planes: MEO, IGSO, and GEO. Now in its third generation (BDS-3), the system delivers 2.5-meter horizontal accuracy globally and sub-meter precision within the Asia-Pacific region using Ground Augmentation Stations. Beyond standard PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) services, BeiDou integrates a distinct bidirectional messaging feature allowing users to transmit 14,000 bits (roughly 1,000 Chinese characters) per burst. It serves as a critical alternative to GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, supporting over 7 million commercial vehicles and 100 countries with high-precision spatial data.

https://en.beidou.gov.cn