China begins using new global positioning satellite

BEIJING, Dec 27 (Reuters): China took a further step on Tuesday toward ending its dependence on US satellites to provide navigation and positioning services with the start of trial operations of its homegrown Beidou system. China started a drive to end its reliance on the US global positioning system in 2000, when it sent an experimental pair of positioning satellites into orbit. Ran Chengqi, spokesman for the new system, told reporters that Beidou, or "Big Dipper", would cover most parts of the Asia Pacific by next year and then the world by 2020. China has already launched 10 satellites to support Beidou and would launch another six next year, he said.s