BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua)-- Chinese scientists and technicians have fixed
a glitch in the recently launched Beidou (Big Dipper) experimental navigation
satellite after 60 days of hard work, according to the Xi'an Satellite Control
Center.
The control center reported that satellite number 4 is once again
functioning normally.
The Beidou satellites provide all-weather and all-day navigation and
positioning information.
Satellite 4, which went into orbit on Feb. 3, was unable to deploy its
solar panels correctly after launch, said an official with the control center.
China has put four Beidou (Big Dipper) experimental navigation satellites
into orbit. The previous three were launched in 2000 and 2003.
Satellite number four serves as a backup satellite for the whole system and
may some day replace Beidou 1, according to space officials.