BEIJING — China announced on December 27 that it is only a few months away from completing its own satellite-based position system called Beidou.
China has already launched 53 satellites, including those that are longer in operation, for the navigational system since 2000, reports Nikkei Asian Review.
The final two satellites will be launched by June 2020. This will complete the network at 35 satellites.
In comparison, the U.S.'s Global Positioning System, or GPS, uses approximately 30 satellites in space.
China is developing a navigation system independent of the GPS in a bid to protect its own interests, Nikkei Asian Review reports.
The satellite's level of location accuracy is currently within 5 meters, though Beidou Navigation Satellite System spokesperson Ran Chengqi said that the system's accuracy will improve to within centimeters by the end of next year.
The company said this will help in search and rescue missions in the future.
Beidou's navigation system will also be used to improve technology for self-driving vehicles and cell phones in China.
According to the Nikkei Asian Review, Beidou will also include a text messaging service so that users can communicate with one another.
Ran said that Beidou already has plans to export its products to roughly 120 trading partners through China's Belt and Road initiative.
The country also plans to open up its navigational system to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa and eastern Europe.
