China's First Beidou Navigation Satellite, the Country's First Domestically Developed Navigation Satellite, is Launched on Oct 31, 2000

China launches its first self-developed Beidou navigation satellite on Oct 31, 2000. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

China's first Beidou navigation satellite, the country's first domestically developed navigation satellite, is launched on Oct 31, 2000

China's first Beidou navigation satellite, the country's first domestically developed navigation satellite, was launched by a Long March-3A carrier rocket on Oct 31, 2000.

Primarily developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the satellite was proof that China has obtained autonomous, fast and efficient positioning means.

The launching was a breakthrough in satellite navigation in the country and made China the third country to own a self-developed and operated satellite navigation system.

The satellite also greatly promoted the country's space information infrastructure construction and contributed to development of national defense and the national economy.

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)