China has launched its 22nd satellite in the BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan province.

The satellite was launched aboard Long March-3A rocket, marking the 225th launch for the Long March family of launch vehicles, manufactured by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).

After entering its orbital position and completing in-orbit testing, the newly launched satellite is expected to join other satellites that are already in orbit and bolster the BDS’ stability, reports Xinhua.

"The newly launched satellite is expected to join other satellites that are already in orbit and bolster the BDS’ stability."

The satellite will also help BDS to provide global coverage.

Similar to the US’ GPS and Russia’s GLONA/SS system, China’s BDS provides open positioning, navigation signals for civilians and encrypted signals to the state and military purposes, reports Gbtimes.

Managed by China National Space Administration (CNSA), the BeiDou system is initially planned to provide global coverage by 2020, but the target could be achieved next year due to the growth shown by the current system in place.

The entire system consists of 35 satellites.

After the launch of the Belintersat-1 communication satellite for Belarus and another BeiDou satellite, the latest was China’s third space mission this year.

The country is also planning to launch more than 20 space missions this year.