BEIJING: China continues to develop its navigation satellite system called Beidou. The system has recently been included in a global network that collects and distributes data for search and rescue missions.
“China has mastered the core technology of space payload and ground systems for search and rescue satellite systems. It is time to research and develop the self-controlled search and rescue system with Beidou,” Wu Chungeng, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Transport, saidThursday.
Wu also said that Beidou has become part of the International Cospas-Sarsat Program, a nonprofit, intergovernmental and humanitarian cooperative with 44 members, including the United States, Russia, China and Canada.
According to the ministry, the move will expand China’s participation in global humanitarian efforts.
“It also supports Beidou’s global development, promoting the system’s international influence and power in the field of satellite navigation,” the statement read.