XICHANG, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China plans to launch the third Beidou satellite, the Chinese version of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), into the orbit "in a few days" from the southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Center, according to a statement from the center Friday.

    Both the rocket, a Long March-3III carrier, and the satellite are in sound conditions and ready for the planned projection, said the statement.