China launches new BeiDou-3 navigation satellites

China sent its 35th and 36th Beidou navigation satellites into orbit from southwest China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center on Saturday.

The twin satellites blasted off on a Long March-3B carrier rocket at 7:52 local time and entered the designated orbit after flying for more than three hours. They are the 11th and 12th satellites of the BeiDou-3 network project.

The newly launched satellites will run tests and evaluations and network with other 10 BeiDou-3 satellites to provide services in due time.

According to the plan, another six are scheduled to be launched by the end of this year. A complete 35-satellite network allowing for global coverage will be in place by 2020.

SS