BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)

Why in news?

• China has recently completed its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System constellation which will now be able to provide global services.

What is BDS?

• BeiDou system is a Chinese satellite navigation system.
• It started serving China in 2000 and the Asia-Pacific region in 2012.
• It will be the fourth global satellite navigation system after the GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia) and Galileo (European Union).
• The positioning accuracy of the system has reached 10 metres globally and five metres in the Asia-Pacific region.
• BeiDou offers services including accurate positioning, navigation and timing as well as short message communication.
• India is developing its own navigation satellite system called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding “Beidou” satellite navigation system:
1.It is a joint project between Japan and South Korea.
2.It is regional navigation system that offers services in Asia pacific region only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question