China to build next-generation BeiDou system

China plans to develop a next-generation BeiDou satellite system that will be more powerful, technologically advanced, and capable of delivering higher-quality services.

The announcement was made by the China Satellite Navigation Office (CSNO) on Thursday at a symposium in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the launch of the country's BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS).

A development plan was released at the symposium outlining the roadmap towards the BeiDou system's next generation.

According to the timeline, key technology breakthroughs are expected by 2025, followed by the launch of three experimental satellites around 2027 to test new technologies. Network deployment is slated to begin around 2029, with the full system set to be completed by 2035.

The next-generation BeiDou system will deliver highly accurate, real-time navigation, positioning and timing with precision levels ranging from meters to decimeters, covering both Earth's surface and near-Earth spaces, according to the CSNO.

The system will optimize its constellation structure with satellites deployed in high, medium and low Earth orbits, to enhance the accuracy of time-space benchmarks and the system's autonomous operation capabilities.

It will also feature an integrated and efficient ground infrastructure, ensuring flexible resource allocation, data sharing and uninterrupted operations.

"The goal for 2035 is to build a more ubiquitous, integrated, and intelligent national space-time system. We not only need to improve precision but also ensure the system's reliability and trustworthiness. Moving forward, there will be many navigation methods, paving the way for a more intelligent, flexible, and networked navigation system," said Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the BDS.

China's BDS project was launched in 1994 with the construction of the BDS-1 and BDS-2 completed in 2000 and 2012, respectively. When BDS-3 was completed and put into service on July 31, 2020, China became the third country in the world to have an independent global navigation satellite system.

The BDS services and related products have been exported to more than 130 countries, providing users with diversified choices and better application experience, and promoting industrial development, according to a bluebook released in October.

China to build next-generation BeiDou system

A taxi fleet has been offering free rides to residents and victims in the wake of the recent catastrophic residential building fire in Hong Kong, one of the region's deadliest disasters in decades.

The fire, which broke out at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po on November 26, had claimed 160 lives by Tuesday, with six people still listed as missing, according to authorities.

In response, the "Big Bee" taxi fleet, operated by Sino Development (International) Company, joined several volunteer groups in providing free rides for affected residents.

Beyond transporting displaced survivors, the fleet also assisted in moving donated supplies and volunteers to and from the area.

"In the first few days, drivers came to the site voluntarily to offer help. There were many firefighters and rescuers on site. During the ten days from December 1 to 10, we offered about 100 free rides daily on average, serving roughly 300 residents and fire victims each day," said Sam Wong, founder and CEO of Sino Development (International) Company.

"We are very willing to take part in this effort. Every driver is," said Lui Kai-wa, a taxi driver.

As most displaced residents have now been relocated through government coordination, volunteer taxi drivers are gradually returning to their regular routes.

More than 2,500 displaced residents have moved into transitional housing units, with Hong Kong's Transport Department providing additional public transport services to meet commuting needs.

"There is a gradual decrease in usage, as much of the transportation need for people and supplies has already been completed. Demand is clearly declining," Lui said.

Wong also praised the government's role in the relief work.

"Over the past few days, we've seen the government carry out a tremendous amount of work, especially in response to such a big and serious disaster. Its role has been very significant," Wong said.

Taxi feet offers free rides to residents, victims in wake of deadly Hong Kong residential building fire