At 13:03 on February 12, a rocket of CZ-3B carrying two BD-3 (Beidou-3) satellites was launched in Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. This is the third launch of BD-3 in global networking and the 112th of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It is also the “battle of ending up” of China Aerospace in the Lunar Year of Rooster. Up to now, all Beidou satellites are flying to space with a success rate of 100%.

　　“The successful launch means we can have a nice Spring Festival, but we’ll be busier after it.”Yan Liqing, commander of launch site 01, saidthat Xichang Satellite Launch Center is known as “Harbor of Beidou”. It is expected to launch 18 Beidou satellites throughout the year, which is a great amount. In addition to the three groups that have been launched, 6 launches of BD-3 in global networking will be completed this year if “One Rocket with Two Satellites” continues to be adopted.

　　The Beidou navigation satellite and rocket carrier launched this time were made by China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology affiliated to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Wu Zhenyu, chief director of the ensemble department of navigation technologydesign office of China Academy of Space Technology, said that by the end of 2018, BD-3 will have18 satellite systems with the capability to provide services for countries along “Belt and Road”. “By 2020, the planned 30 plus satellites will all be launched, so we will be able to serve users worldwide.”

　　CZ-3B in this task belongs to CZ-3A, therocketcarrier. It was the 84th launch of CZ-3A, its 27th “hands-holding” with Beidou satellite family, and the 267th flight of the CZ rockets. Up to now, all Beidou navigation satellites are escorted by it.Therefore, it is also known as the “exclusive train” of Beidou networking project. “Though exclusive, it is constantly improving.” Cen Zheng, general commander of CZ-3A of Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, said that in order to meet the requirements of the global networking of the BD-3 project, a total of 403 technical improvements have been made in recent years with an average of 28 improvements of each rocket and a maximum of 43 items.

　　In the launch, BD-3 had a “companion”–the upper stage of YZ-1. Yang Chao, director of the 12 upper stage of controlling systems of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, said that it was added to the original three levels of rockets. When the rocket separates, it will continue to soar,“ferrying” the satellite to the scheduled location. Thus, it will save the satellite's fuel, increasing the payload and extending the life of the satellite. “This is its 6th launch task.” It is an internationally accepted practice to send “a Rocket with two Satellites” directly to the orbit by the upper stage. It is also the main launch mode ofBD-3 in global networking.