China's third Beidou navigation and positioning satellite was successfully positioned over the equator and came into earth-synchronous orbit early Tuesday morning.

Experts said the satellite had operated continuously for 220 hours, during which time the Xi'an satellite monitoring center had been searching and controlling it and helping it complete several actions.

China sent the first two Beidou navigation satellites into orbit on Oct. 31 and Dec. 21 of 2000, respectively. Aerospace experts said the three satellites have formed a complete satellite navigation and positioning system, which will help to ensure all-weather navigation and positioning information.

The navigation system, which serves as a radio beacon in outer space, can help subscribers know their location at any time and place with accurate longitude, latitude and altitude data.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2003)