COMPASS
Jump to: Mission Objectives, Mission Instrumentation, Mission Parameters, Additional Information
Mission Photos:
COMPASS (Courtesy of Shanghai Astronomical Observatory)
Mission Objectives:
The Compass Navigation Satellite Experimental System is a satellite constellation developed by the Chinese Defense Ministry. The system, also known as BeiDou, is the first space-based regional navigation and positioning network developed by China. COMPASS provides all-weather, two-dimensional positioning data for both military and civilian users. The system has both navigation and communication capabilities and spans most areas of the East Asia region. The satellite network consists of four BeiDou 1 satellites launched in 2000, 2003, and 2007 in geostationary orbit; a fifth satellite, COMPASS-M1, was launched in MEO in April 2007. Additional satellites in the COMPASS constellation have been launched in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
COMPASS Mission Parameters:
| COMPASS-M1 | COMPASS-M3 | COMPASS-G1 | COMPASS-I3 | COMPASS-I5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor: | Chinese Defense Ministry | Chinese Defense Ministry | Chinese Defense Ministry | Chinese Defense Ministry | Chinese Defense Ministry |
| Expected Life: | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Primary Applications: | Positioning | Positioning | Positioning | Positioning | Positioning |
| Primary SLR Application: | Precision orbit determination | Precision orbit determination | Precision orbit determination | Precision orbit determination | Precision orbit determination |
| Launch Date: | 13-Apr-2007 | 29-Apr-2012 | 17-Jan-2010 | 10-Apr-2011 | 01-Dec-2011 |
| COSPAR ID: | 0701101 | 1201801 | 1000101 | 1101301 | 1107301 |
| SIC: | 2001 | 2004 | 2002 | 2003 | 2005 |
| NORAD: | 31115 | 38250 | 36287 | 37384 | 37948 |
| NP Bin Size | 300 seconds | 300 seconds | 300 seconds | 300 seconds | 300 seconds |
| RRA Diameter: | |||||
| RRA Shape: | Hexagonal | Hexagonal | Hexagonal | Hexagonal | Hexagonal |
| Reflectors: | 42 corner cubes | 42 corner cubes | 90 corner cubes | 90 corner cubes | 90 corner cubes |
| Orbit: | MEO | MEO | GEO | GEO | GEO |
| Inclination: | 55.5 degrees | 55.0 degrees | 1.53 degrees | 55.6 degrees | 55.6 degrees |
| Eccentricity: | 0.00068 | 0.0025 | 0.00018 | 0.0023 | 0.0023 |
| Perigee: | 21,500 km | 21,528 km | 42,163.9 km | 42,161.2 km | 42,161.2 km |
| Period: | 773.39 min | ||||
| Weight: | 2,200 kg |
Additional Information:
Web sites:
- Inside GNSS Compass section
Publications:
- Fumin, Y., et al,"The LRA on Compass M1 and Laser Ranging Experiment", presented at ILRS Fall 2007 Workshop, Grasse France, September 2007.
