What is the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System?

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is China’s global navigation satellite system, operated by the China National Space Administration. BDS provides positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide, similar to other GNSS systems like GPS (United States), Galileo (EU), and GLONASS (Russia). The system has evolved through several generations: BeiDou-1 (regional demonstration), BeiDou-2 (regional coverage), and BeiDou-3 (global coverage).

BDS satellites transmit signals on multiple frequencies, supporting high-precision applications such as automotive navigation, surveying, and mobile devices. The constellation includes satellites in geostationary, inclined geosynchronous, and medium Earth orbits to maximize coverage and reliability.

Modern GNSS receivers often support BDS alongside other constellations to improve accuracy and availability, especially in challenging environments or regions with limited sky visibility.