China to start using its own global positioning satellites

It looks like China will be one more step further away from its dependence on the US. It has been reported that China has started trial operations of its own global positioning satellites. Called Beidu (“Big Dipper”), the system would cover most parts of the Asia Pacific by next year and the whole world by 2020.

At the moment, 10 satellites have already been launched, with six more on the way next year. The system will eventually consist of 35 satellites, and will be used to help China’s fishery, meteorology and telecommunication industries. In addition to its own global positioning system, China seems to have big plans for space, with its own space station and a manned trip to the moon on the list.

With China breaking free from the US, I wonder which country will be next to launch its own satellites as well?