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BEIDOU-3S M1S

Chinese Navigation Satellite (BeiDou-3S Testbed) · CNSA / China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

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BeiDou-3S M1S, launched in 2015, is one of the earliest experimental satellites testing technology for China's planned global BeiDou-3 navigation constellation, including new inter-satellite crosslinks that let BeiDou-3 satellites communicate directly with each other in orbit — a capability neither GPS, GLONASS, nor Galileo satellites have, letting BeiDou maintain accurate timing and orbit data even during extended gaps in contact with Chinese ground stations.

Its orbit

Orbit
Medium Earth Orbita high vantage point, ideal for navigation
Altitude
13,377–13,383 mi (21,528–21,538 km)
Inclination
54.8°
One orbit
12.9 hours1.9 orbits a day
NORAD ID
40749
Int’l designator
2015-037B
Launched
2015

Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.

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