For the third time in two months, China has launched a pair of Beidou satellites into orbit. This is light speed considering that launches of single satellites a few months apart is normally considered fast. GPS World reports that the recent pair, launched September 19, are the 37th and 38th satellites launched as part of the Beidou program. Although most of those were experimental satellites, the BBC reports that China has now launched 15 of its planned 35 satellite constellation. A more detailed history of the Beidou program is available in an article at GlobalSecurity.Org. In an era of increasing mistrust between the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China, the acceleration of the Beidou program comes as no surprise.

Image Reference: https://gbtimes.com/china-launches-pair-of-beidou-3-navigation-satellites-from-xichang