06 January 2020
China's heaviest and most advanced satellite, Shijian-20, reached its fixed position in geosynchronous orbit on 5 January, marking the first successful flight of DFH-5 satellite platform, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Shijian-20 is the first verification satellite for the DFH-5 satellite platform, China's new generation of large geosynchronous orbit satellite platform. At present, the satellite has completed the orbit transfer and verified the key technologies of the DFH-5 satellite platform, according to Li Feng, the satellite's Chief Designer.
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07 January 2020
China sent a new communication technology experiment satellite (TJSW-5 tbc) into space from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province on 7 January at 23:20 h Beijing Time (15:20 UTC). The satellite has entered the preset orbit. It will be used in communication, radio, television and data transmission, as well as high throughput technology test. The satellite was launched on a Long March-3B carrier rocket.
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09 January 2020
Staff members of the Haikou Navigation Mark Office install a telemetry and telecontrol unit based on Beidou Navigation Satellite System and Beidou AIS (Automatic Identification System) physical navigation mark in a buoy on the sea patrol ship "Haixun 172" in Qiongzhou Strait, south China, on 8 January 2020. In the past four month, about 112 buoys and 6 beacons in the Qiongzhou Strait have been maintained and updated, which realized the fully coverage of telemetry and telecontrol system on the navigation marks in waters in the strait. The navigation and transportation efficiency are expected to be improved as the Spring Festival travel rush is upcoming.
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06 January 2020
Beginning of January, Chinese President Xi Jinping met the President of the Pacific state of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, in Beijing. After diplomatic relations were discontinued in 2003, China and Kiribati re-established them only last year. Until 2003, China had used the space tracking station on the island state. With the new chapter in the bilateral relationship, new ideas of mutual benefit are in the air - the reopening of the tracking station could be one of those, as Reuter reported.
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