China launches its sixth satellite

The rocket carrying the satellite was launched just after midnight from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province.

According to state media reports, the country is building its own navigation and positioning system. Since 2000, Beijing has been working upon projects to end its reliance on the US Global Positions System.

China’s satellites aim to provide navigation, time and shot message services in the Asia-Pacific region before 2012 and will be capable of offering global navigation by 2020.

According to Xinhua news agency, the system code will be crucial for the transport and oil exploration industries as well as for weather and disaster forecasting, telecommunication and public security.