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.

COMPASS-M1 Mission Parameters:

COMPASS Mission Parameters
	COMPASS-M1
Sponsor:	Chinese Defense Ministry
Expected Life:
Primary Applications:	Positioning
Primary SLR Application:	Precision orbit determination
Launch Date:	13-Apr-2007
COSPAR ID:	0701101
SIC:	2001
NORAD:	31115
NP Bin Size	300 seconds
RRA Diameter:
RRA Shape:	Hexagonal
Reflectors:	42 corner cubes
Orbit:	MEO
Inclination:	55.5 degrees
Eccentricity:	0.00068
Perigee:	21,500 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.